Rising star McKenna Woliczko, an incoming forward for the Iowa women's basketball team, is using her burgeoning fame for a benevolent cause. She has partnered with Pilot24, a sports memorabilia platform, to auction limited-edition trading cards. A significant portion of the proceeds from one particular card will be dedicated to the Iowa Stead Family Children's Hospital. This charitable endeavor not only introduces Woliczko to the Hawkeyes community but also highlights her commitment to giving back.
Basketball Star's Trading Card Supports Children's Hospital
In a heartening display of philanthropy, McKenna Woliczko, a highly-touted five-star recruit joining the Iowa women's basketball team, has initiated a special auction to benefit the Iowa Stead Family Children's Hospital. As part of her introduction to the Hawkeyes community prior to her freshman season this autumn, Woliczko has announced that the entire proceeds from the sale of a specific limited-edition Pilot24 trading card will go directly to the hospital. Pilot24, known for hosting auctions of sports memorabilia featuring various Hawkeye athletes, has released a series of ten unique McKenna Woliczko trading cards for public bidding. Among these, 'Card No. 5' stands out, as Woliczko has designated 100% of its auction earnings for the children's hospital. This particular rookie card is not only personally signed by the athlete but also contains a distinctive fabric swatch cut from the shorts she wore during the 2024 FIBA U17 Women’s World Cup, making it a truly unique collector's item. Woliczko, a 6-foot-2 talent from San Bruno, California, is celebrated as Iowa's highest-ranked signee since Caitlin Clark in 2020. She holds impressive national rankings, including No. 6 overall, No. 2 power forward, and No. 2 player from California, according to 247Sports. Her recruitment also marks the highest-ranked signee under Jan Jensen's coaching tenure with the Hawkeyes. Enthusiasts and philanthropists keen on participating in this charitable auction can place their bids on Pilot24's auction platform. However, interested parties are urged to act swiftly, as the auction for all ten cards concludes promptly on Thursday, March 26, 2025, at 6 p.m. CT.
This initiative by McKenna Woliczko demonstrates the powerful impact athletes can have beyond the court. Her generosity provides a commendable example of using one's platform for significant social good, blending athletic achievement with community support. Such actions foster a positive image for athletes and inspire fans to contribute to worthy causes.
