McKenna Johnson joins Gophers after enrolling early

The No. 60 recruit in the 2024 class will be with the team for the remainder of the season.

McKenna Johnson, the No. 60 recruit in the 2024 class according to ESPN, has graduated high school early and has joined the Gophers women’s basketball team.

Johnson will wear No. 7 for Minnesota and has been cleared to practice with the team. She will travel with the Gophers throughout the remainder of the season.

“Enrolling early is something that has become a little more common here recently and we are thrilled to welcome McKenna to campus as we start the second semester,” Gophers coach Dawn Plitzuweit said in a statement. “… By joining us for practice daily, she will be able to compete and help our team prepare for Big Ten play and that will help both her and our current roster. We believe that McKenna will be able to expand her own game, gain familiarity with her teammates and coaches, and we could not be more excited to watch her develop in all facets of her game over the next semester!”

The 5-foot-9 guard averaged 26.1 points, 10.0 rebounds, 2.7 steals and 2.0 assists for Wilmot-Union High School in Wilmot, Wis., during the 2022-23 season, her most recent. She was three-time All-Conference and was named to the All-State team last season. She also helped lead the Wisconsin Elite Flight program to the EYBL Final Four this summer.

“I chose the University of Minnesota because I connected well with Coach Plitzuweit and the entire coaching staff,” Johnson said in a statement. “I really like the style of play that they bring, and I love the campus, the beautiful facilities and the great academic programs that Minnesota offers.”