University of Connecticut Athletics
UConn Signs Transfer Guard Kayleigh Heckel
5/26/2025 1:23:00 PM | Women's Basketball
STORRS, Conn. – UConn women's basketball head coach Geno Auriemma announced the addition of transfer guard Kayleigh Heckel to 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 native of Port Chester, N.Y., Heckel spent one season at USC. She has three seasons of eligibility remaining.
Heckel appeared in 34 games with seven starts for the Trojans. She averaged 6.1 points and 1.9 assists per game and was third on the team with 45 steals. Heckel helped USC to the 2024-25 Big Ten regular season championship and appearances in the Big Ten Championship game and NCAA Tournament Elite Eight.
Heckel was the No. 13-ranked recruit in the 2024 signing class. She was a 2024 McDonald's and Jordan Brand All-American.
Heckel represented the United States at the 2024 FIBA U18 AmeriCup, helping the team to the gold medal. She averaged 12.8 points, 3.8 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game in the tournament and was named to the U18 AmeriCup All-Tournament Second Team.
Heckel joins transfer Serah Williams and freshmen Kelis Fisher, Gandy Malou-Mamel and Blanca Quiñonez as UConn's newcomers for the 2025-26 season.
The Huskies return 10 student-athletes from the 2025 NCAA Championship team, including National Freshman of the Year Sarah Strong and Final Four Most Outstanding Player Azzi Fudd.
