First-year forward McKenna Woliczko scored a game-high 22 points on Thursday night, November 5, lifting No. 10 Iowa women's basketball to an 80-39 rout of Eastern Illinois at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City. The 6-foot-2 San Bruno, California, native hit 4 of 6 shots from beyond the arc and has quickly become one of the most productive freshmen in the country.
Through two games, Woliczko is averaging 16.0 points on 72.2% shooting overall and 55.6% from 3-point range, along with 6.0 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per contest, according to On3. The Hawkeyes improved to 2-0 with the win over the Panthers, following an opening victory against Towson in which Woliczko also turned in a solid performance.
Woliczko Credits Repetition and Teammates for Fast Start
Speaking with reporters after the Eastern Illinois win, Woliczko broke down what has allowed her to feel comfortable shooting from the perimeter so early in her college career. Her answer started with the work she puts in before the lights come on.
“I think just the time and effort that we're putting in before practice. We obviously do pre-practice stuff and then also we're constantly working on the threes during practice. So I think just the confidence that I've been able to build has definitely helped,” Woliczko said, as reported by Yahoo Sports.
She also pointed to the people around her. Teammates have made a habit of telling the freshman to let it fly, and that encouragement has clearly landed. Hawk Central noted that Woliczko broke the ice with her second 3-pointer of the game in the third quarter and credited her teammates for the confidence.
“And also with my teammates, they are always telling me to shoot the ball and have the confidence in myself. So hearing that from my teammates is really good,” Woliczko said.
A Freshman With No Expectations, Just Preparation
Woliczko arrived in Iowa City with a simple approach: no expectations, just trust in the work. She said the coaching staff and her teammates have helped sharpen her basketball IQ, and the first two games have reinforced everything she put in during the offseason.
“I think going into it, I tried to come in with no expectations and just remember all the work that I've put in and also all the help that my coaches and teammates have helped me build my IQ for the game. I think these past two games are definitely a big confidence booster, and it'll be really fun to go and continue on playing and see how it goes,” Woliczko said.
That mindset has translated into results. A forward who can stretch the floor at 6-foot-2 gives Iowa's offense a weapon that defenses have to account for well beyond the paint, and the early shooting numbers suggest the perimeter touch is no fluke.
Carver-Hawkeye Arena Wows the California Native
Woliczko had never even watched a game inside Carver-Hawkeye Arena before debuting there this season. Two games in, the building has already made an impression.
“I mean, it's been crazy just experiencing these first two games and getting to feel the atmosphere with all the fans. I've never been to Carver for a basketball game before, so being able to get out on the court and experience that has just been amazing,” Woliczko said.
The Gazette reported that Woliczko spoke about how her teammates and the coaching staff made her more confident playing in the first two games of her college career on Thursday night at Carver-Hawkeye Arena.
Next Test: No. 2 UConn on the Road
The schedule gets dramatically harder from here. Iowa travels to Storrs, Connecticut, on Sunday, November 8, to face No. 2 UConn at M&T Bank Center at Gampel Pavilion. Tipoff is set for 1 p.m. Central time with the game airing on FS1.
The Huskies enter the matchup at 1-1, but a road game against one of the sport's bluebloods is a different kind of test entirely. For Woliczko, it will be her first taste of a hostile road environment, and for the Hawkeyes, it is an early measuring stick against a national title contender.
Two games is a small sample size, and nobody inside the program is crowning anyone in November. But if Woliczko keeps shooting anywhere near her current pace, Iowa fans will have plenty of reasons to keep packing Carver-Hawkeye Arena all winter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is McKenna Woliczko?
McKenna Woliczko is a 6-foot-2 first-year forward for the Iowa women's basketball team from San Bruno, California. She is averaging 16.0 points and 6.0 rebounds through her first two college games.
How has Woliczko performed this season?
Woliczko has scored 16.0 points per game on 72.2% shooting and 55.6% from 3-point range through two games, including a game-high 22 points in Iowa's 80-39 win over Eastern Illinois on November 5, 2026.
When does Iowa play UConn?
Iowa visits No. 2 UConn on Sunday, November 8, at M&T Bank Center at Gampel Pavilion in Storrs, Connecticut. The game tips at 1 p.m. Central time and will be broadcast on FS1.