The buzz around women's basketball is growing day by day. The franchise that gave the WNBA stars like Caitlin Clark, Kate Martin and Megan Gustafson is now preparing for another one.

No. 6 ranked according to ESPN, Rivals, and 247Sports, McKenna Woliczko is officially back on the court. The 2026 Iowa Signee battled through an ACL injury and made her comeback at Archbishop Mitty High School on Friday.

In an episode of “The Rush With Travis and Ross” podcast, the five-star recruit revealed how ex-Hawkeyes stars followed her recruitment. And among them was Caitlin Clark.

"She never called me, but she did comment on my Instagram posts and I was aware that she was reaching out to Coach Jensen about how my recruitment was going and she was asking and wanting to stay updated”, Woliczko said.

Even after going pro, CC is still in touch with her Iowa roots and the team that gave her the opportunity to shine. Clark's involment also highlights Woliczko's caliber of talent.

The 6'2 California native was averaging 22.2 points and 8.6 rebounds per game before her injury. She officially signed with Iowa on November 12.

"Culture, community and relationships are why I chose the University of Iowa. The Hawkeye fan base has welcomed me with open arms, and I am thankful for the immediate acceptance. The countless connections with staff, players and Iowa City have been exactly what I was looking for".

With this signing, she became Iowa's highest-ranked signee since Caitlin Clark in 2020 and highest-ranked signee under coach Jan Jensen. Jensen was equally thrilled to see Woliczko play again and tweeted on her return "She's Baaaack!!!!🙌🏼We're so pumped for @McKennaDub Have a blast, Mck!😊We're with you all the way!🖤💛 God bless!".

Iowa Hawkeyes have been adding depth to their roster

While the team is till trying to find its footing after Caitlin Clark's departure, the roster is not low on talent. Freehand Addie Deal, Journey Houston and Layla Hays are contributing on all fronts with sophomores Ava Heiden and Chazadi Wright being top scorers.

And McKenna Woliczko is keen to add to the team, "I'd say obviously the goal is to win a national championship," Woliczko told Travis Justice.

"I think what helps me be kind of that positionless player is because I'm so tall and know how to do post moves, I can post up someone that's smaller guarding than me, but if there's somebody tall guarding me, then I can be quicker than them and be more like that wing player. So that's where the positionless comes in."

As Iowa stands first in the Big Ten and 14th nationally, this new addition for next season might see a surge in their rankings.

Written by

Fatema Kapasi

Edited by

Oajaswini Prabhu