UConn women’s basketball head coach Geno Auriemma has revealed that transfer guard will be joining the program for the 2025-26 season.
“Kayleigh has a passion for the game,” Auriemma said. “She plays at a quick pace and can impact both ends of the court. She’s a great teammate and someone who wants to grow on and off the court. We’re excited to have her at Connecticut.”
A 5-foot-9 guard from Port Chester, N.Y., is set to join UConn for the 2025–26 season after spending her freshman year at USC. Heckel has three years of eligibility left.
During her time with the Trojans, she played in 34 games and started seven, averaging 6.1 points and 1.9 assists per game. She also ranked third on the team in steals with 45. Heckel played a key role in helping USC win the 2024–25 Big Ten regular season title and reach both the Big Ten Championship game and the NCAA Tournament’s Elite Eight.
A highly regarded recruit, Heckel was ranked No. 13 in the 2024 signing class and earned McDonald’s and Jordan Brand All-American honors that year.
She also represented Team USA at the 2024 FIBA U18 AmeriCup, where she contributed 12.8 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game, helping the team secure the gold medal and earning a spot on the All-Tournament Second Team.
Heckel joins fellow transfer Serah Williams and incoming freshmen Kelis Fisher, Gandy Malou-Mamel, and Blanca Quiñonez as part of UConn’s new additions for 2025–26.
They’ll join a strong returning core of 10 players from UConn’s 2025 NCAA Championship roster, including standout Sarah Strong, the National Freshman of the Year, and Final Four Most Outstanding Player Azzi Fudd.
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