Even in this new era of college athletics, culture wins.
Prized Iowa women’s basketball signee McKenna Woliczko had her pick from a number of elite programs. That included fellow finalists South Carolina, Ohio State, and USC. In the end, it was the Hawkeyes that earned her commitment and eventual signing.
But did Iowa simply make the best financial offer?
McKenna’s father, Aaron Woliczko, joined “The Rush with Travis and Ross,” where he was asked that question.
“No. We left money on the table. I’m going to be, like I said, I’m going to be transparent. We left money on the table to go to Iowa, because that was where my daughter wanted to go. That’s where culture fit McKenna,” Aaron Woliczko said.
According to Aaron, the dates of payments and what that would mean for McKenna’s tax situation were one of their most important negotiations with Iowa before McKenna made her decision to be a Hawkeye.
“And, so the negotiating situation for us, quite honestly, we were more worried about tax implications from 2026 to 2027. So, we wanted specific dates that payments occurred, being paid quarterly. And so, we wanted a certain amount before the calendar year turns. Because, assuming that she’s going to get more deals when she gets to Iowa, she’s probably going to earn more in 2027, so that was our tax consultant recommendation,” Aaron Woliczko said.
For McKenna, it’s nice to hear that she and her family clearly have a plan in place to manage her financial situation.
For Iowa, it’s encouraging to see the belief in Jan Jensen and in the Hawkeyes’ culture. While Iowa likely made a strong offer, McKenna’s decision to don the black and gold wasn’t steeped solely in what the money picture looked like.
Woliczko is ranked as the No. 6 player nationally by 247Sports, ESPN, and Rivals in the 2026 class.
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This article originally appeared on Hawkeyes Wire: Iowa women’s basketball signee ‘left money on the table’ to join Hawkeyes
Reporting by Josh Helmer, Hawkeyes Wire / Hawkeyes Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
