McKenna Woliczko preps for her Iowa debut

McKenna Woliczko is the second-highest recruit out of high school to sign with the Iowa women's basketball team. She was ranked in the top ten and is only behind the legendary Caitlin Clark in program history.

On Monday, Woliczko will play her first minutes as a Hawkeye.

"Sold-out Carver. I mean that's going to be so exciting just to feel the atmosphere," Woliczko said. "I've never been here for a game before, so to be able to experience that and being able to play is just going to be so awesome."

In a new Hawkeye offense, Woliczko will spend most of her time as the power forward. With the departure of Hannah Stuelke and head coach Jan Jensen making Journey Houston transition to play small forward on the wing, Woliczko will likely have pressure to lock down that spot.

"For the four, I'm usually taking the ball out and just sprinting the floor. So, whether I'm beating the post down and posting up for a second, or I'm trailing, just kind of getting used to that. In high school, I played the five a lot, so being able to mix up being on the perimeter and also posting up every once in a while has been helpful," Woliczko said.

Woliczko is already developing a special bond with star center Ava Heiden. The junior center is already making life easier for Woliczko both on and off the court as Woliczko adjusts to playing for one of the marquee women's basketball programs in the nation.

"She's one of those people where (Ava) just makes it easier for everybody else. I know that when I get the ball at the wing, I'm immediately looking for her," Woliczko said. "I know that she can hit that drop step, like she's just so easy to play with. But then also just makes it so much better on and off the court, because she's not only good basketball wise, but she's also just so fun to be with mentally, she really keeps you grounded and makes you realize that we're all here and ready to play for a reason."

Iowa will open their season at 7 p.m. on Monday. They host Towson at Carver Hawkeye Arena.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHBF - OurQuadCities.com.