A Game-Changing Commitment
Big news for Ohio State women’s basketball fans! Atlee Vanesko, a super talented four-star combo guard from Westtown School in Norristown, Pennsylvania, just committed to the Buckeyes on Friday, July 18, 2025. She’s the first recruit in Ohio State’s 2026 class, and let me tell you, she’s a game-changer. Standing at 5-foot-11, Atlee had her pick of top programs like Stanford, Miami, and Virginia Tech, but she chose Columbus to chase her hoops dreams with head coach Kevin McGuff.
What Makes Atlee Special?
Atlee’s a versatile star on the court. She can score from anywhere—driving to the hoop, pulling up for a clean midrange jumper, or splashing a three. She’s also got a knack for setting up her teammates with pinpoint passes and a super high basketball IQ. Defensively, her size and quickness let her guard multiple positions, which will be huge for the Buckeyes’ fast-paced, run-and-gun style. Fans are already buzzing with excitement about how she’ll fit into the team.
Atlee’s Journey to Columbus
Atlee’s path to Ohio State kicked off in April 2024 when the Buckeyes offered her a spot. She visited Columbus a couple of times, including a fun trip in September 2024 to watch the football team crush Marshall and another in February 2025 to see an epic overtime win against Iowa. Those visits sealed the deal. “The coaches are awesome, and it’s such a great program,” Atlee shared with Rivals. “I really think they’ll help me grow as a player. My dream is to play pro ball someday, and I feel like Ohio State will get me there.”
A Star at Westtown and Beyond
At Westtown School, Atlee has been a standout, helping her team dominate with four straight Pennsylvania Independent Schools Athletic Association (PAISAA) titles, including a 27-3 season in 2024-25. One of her clutch moments came in December 2024 against Friends’ Central, where she dropped 15 of her 17 points in the second half, including a dagger midrange jumper to seal a 63-54 win. She’s also been shining on the Nike EYBL circuit with Philly Rise, running the offense like a pro and elevating her teammates. Analysts call her a “glue player” who brings it all together.
A Perfect Fit for Ohio State
For Ohio State, Atlee’s commitment is a big deal. With point guards Madison Greene graduating and Kaia Henderson transferring, the Buckeyes need someone like Atlee to step up alongside sophomore guards Jaloni Cambridge and Ava Watson in the 2025-26 season. Coach McGuff has been super strategic about building his roster, and at the 2024 media day, he hinted that 2026 was going to be a big recruiting year after landing five players in 2024 and two in 2025 (Daria Biriuk and Bryn Martin). Atlee is the perfect start to that plan.
Buckeye Nation Buzzing
Buckeye fans are hyped, and it’s easy to see why. Social media is lighting up with posts from places like Land-Grant Holy Land and BoominBuckeyes, with everyone raving about Atlee’s potential to be a difference-maker. She’s got the skills and heart to follow in the footsteps of recent Ohio State stars like Jacy Sheldon, who’s now killing it in the WNBA.
Looking Ahead
Atlee has an official visit planned for August 29-31, 2025, which happens to line up with a massive football game against Texas—talk about a fun weekend in Columbus! Her commitment is just the start for Ohio State’s 2026 class, with Coach McGuff already eyeing other top prospects like small forward Jordyn Jackson, who recently included the Buckeyes in her top six schools.
Chasing Dreams with the Buckeyes
For Atlee, choosing Ohio State is all about chasing her dreams with a program that knows how to develop stars. Buckeye Nation can’t wait to see her light up the Schottenstein Center in 2026, bringing her energy, leadership, and all-around game to the court. This is one commitment worth celebrating!
Sources: On3.com, Land-Grant Holy Land, Sports Illustrated, Buckeyes Wire, City of Basketball Love, and posts on X.
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