UConn has landed its first commitment from the class of 2026, securing a verbal pledge from Olivia Vukosa, the nation’s No. 3 overall recruit. The reigning national champions won out over other top programs, including LSU, Ohio State, Texas, and South Carolina.
A 6-foot-4 forward from Christ the King High School in Queens, New York, Vukosa joins a long line of players who have made the journey from the storied high school program to Storrs, a pipeline that includes Hall of Famer Sue Bird and WNBA star Tina Charles. This legacy was a significant factor in her decision.
“I have seen Coach Mackey and Deluca prepare girls for college and seen Coach Geno prepare those girls for the next level,” Vukosa told ESPN. “Many of these girls have followed the path of Christ the King and UConn, and now I want to follow that legacy. Another big factor was UConn’s location; it allows my family to come support me easily. Ultimately, what sealed my decision was how I felt around the team. During my visit, the players welcomed me like I was already part of the family, and that sense of belonging made UConn truly feel like home.”
Vukosa brings a wealth of international experience to the Huskies, having represented Croatia in several FIBA competitions. Her résumé includes the 2023 U16 Women’s European Championship, the 2024 Women’s World Cup, and the 2025 U20 EuroBasket B Division, where she averaged 15.6 points and 9.1 rebounds per game.
Her versatile skill set draws comparisons to Stefanie Dolson, a two-time national champion at UConn and an 11-year WNBA veteran. A gifted passer and confident ball handler, Vukosa is an effective shooter from beyond the arc while also possessing the ability to dominate in the post. Her rebounding has improved significantly over the past year, and her mobility on defense allows her to fit into various schemes.
Currently ranked third in her class, Vukosa is considered a contender for the No. 1 spot by the end of her high school career. With her commitment, the top four prospects in the 2026 recruiting class have now made their college decisions.
The Huskies remain in pursuit of other elite talent, including No. 5 Jerzy Robinson and No. 10 Addison Bjorn. As the AP’s preseason No. 1 team, UConn will open its title defense on November 4 against No. 4 Louisville.
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