Atlee Vanesko Commits to Ohio State Women’s Basketball

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.

Ohio State Women's Basketball Lands Four-Star Recruit Ava Watson

Ohio State fans, get ready to celebrate because the women's basketball team has just scored a major victory with the addition of four-star recruit Ava Watson. We are beyond thrilled about the potential impact that this gifted player will have on the team's performance in the forthcoming season. Let's dive into the details of this exciting development in college basketball.

Big news for Buckeye Nation! The Ohio State women’s basketball team has just landed a major recruit in the form of four-star player Ava Watson. This young lady is a force to be reckoned with on the court, and I have no doubt she’ll make a significant impact on the team’s performance in the upcoming season.

Ava Watson is a 5-foot-7 guard out of Buford High School in Buford, Georgia. ESPN ranked her 47th in the 2024 class, giving Ohio State a second straight commit from the list, with Ella Hobbs coming ranked No. 83. Watson is a premier shooting guard who won’t only attack the rim but hit from deep with great accuracy. She uses ball handling to break through defenders and sends in a more unconventional shot, going with one hand on mid-range shots.

With her commitment to Ohio State, we’ve secured a major win for our program. I’m excited to see what she’ll bring to the court in the upcoming season. With her addition to our team, expectations are high and I have no doubt she’ll help us achieve great success.

Who is Ava Watson?

So, who is Ava Watson? She is a four-star recruit who chose to play for the Ohio State women's basketball team despite being heavily sought after. Known for her impressive skills on the court, especially when it comes to scoring and playing strong defense, Watson's commitment is a major win for the team. Buckeye fans can't wait to see her in action and witness the impact she'll have on the court.

What position does she play?

Now, let's talk about Watson's position and playing style. She's a 5-foot-7 guard hailing from Buford High School in Buford, Georgia. ESPN has ranked her 47th in the 2024 class, making her the second consecutive commit from that list for Ohio State, following Ella Hobbs at No. 83.

What are her strengths as a player?

On the court, Watson shines as a shooting guard who is not only deadly from beyond the arc but also possesses the ability to attack the basket. Her exceptional ball handling allows her to break through defenders, and she's known for her unique one-handed mid range shot. Watson's versatility and scoring prowess make her a valuable addition to the team's roster.

How will she contribute to the Ohio State women's basketball team?

So, how will Watson contribute to the Ohio State women's basketball team? Well, her four-star rating speaks volumes about her exceptional skills and athleticism. Her commitment to the program is a significant win and will undoubtedly bolster the team's success in the seasons to come. Fans and analysts alike are eagerly awaiting her debut on the court, eager to see how she elevates the team's performance.

What are the expectations for the team with her addition?

With the addition of Ava Watson, expectations for the Ohio State women's basketball team soar. Her exceptional skills and abilities are likely to make a tremendous impact on the team's success in future seasons. Fans and analysts will be closely watching her debut, anticipating the ways in which she'll contribute to the team's overall performance. Undeniably, her commitment is a major win for the program and promises a bright future for Ohio State women's basketball.

So, Buckeye fans, get ready to cheer for Ava Watson as she takes the court and represents Ohio State with her remarkable talent and passion for the game. The future looks incredibly promising, and we can't wait to witness the incredible journey that lies ahead for the Ohio State women's basketball team.