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Iowa’s 5-Star Commit McKenna Woliczko Had Words for Caitlin Clark

Originally posted on Athlon Sports
By Rowan Fisher-Shotton | Last updated Oct 1, 2025 12:28 PM ET

McKenna Woliczko, a 6-foot-2 forward from Archbishop Mitty (San Jose, California) and the No. 6 player in ESPN’s SportsCenter NEXT 100 for the 2026 class, committed to Iowa on Wednesday, selecting the Hawkeyes over finalists that included South Carolina, USC and Ohio State.

The pledge immediately becomes coach Jan Jensen’s highest-rated recruit since Caitlin Clark left Iowa and represents a significant win for a program intent on sustaining national relevance.

After making her decision, Woliczko spoke out about Clark with ESPN's Ramona Shelburne.

"Obviously, Caitlin's a great player, and obviously she put Iowa on the map," Woliczko said. "But I also watched a lot of other Iowa players growing up. Megan Gustafson, Monika Czinano, I would always watch them and thought they were awesome."

Woliczko cited Iowa’s culture, relationships with coaches and players and a sense of fit in Iowa City as decisive factors.

McKenna Woliczko, the No. 6 player in the girls SC Next 100 class, has committed to Iowa, she told ESPN on Wednesday.
The 6-foot-2 forward from Archbishop Mitty in California immediately becomes coach Jan Jensen’s highest rated recruit in the post-Caitlin Clark era and has drawn… pic.twitter.com/CduRMZ7qBT
— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) October 1, 2025

Clark’s time at Iowa redefined the program’s national status as she became the NCAA Division I all‑time leading scorer, produced back-to-back national player‑of‑the‑year seasons in 2023 and 2024 and lifted attendance and media attention for the Hawkeyes.

That impact remains a key recruiting asset for Iowa even after Clark’s move to the WNBA and the Indiana Fever.

Woliczko said she hasn’t had direct contact with Clark but noticed Clark reacted to a social post during her recruiting visit and that coach Jensen told her Clark checked in during the process.

Woliczko’s commitment signals that top-level prospects now see Iowa as a place to continue national prominence even after a generational star departed.

Practically, Woliczko gives Iowa a potential early starter in the front court and a building block for the roster Jensen will assemble to compete in the Big Ten and nationally.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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