Former All-American Kayleigh Heckel transferring to UConn

Field Level Media|published: Mon 26th May, 16:17 2025

NCAA Womens Basketball: NCAA Tournament Second Round USC-Mississippi State

Mar 24, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; USC Trojans guard Kayleigh Heckel (9) dribbles the basketball past Mississippi State Bulldogs guard Denim DeShields (0) during an NCAA Tournament second round game at Galen Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images

Kayleigh Heckel is heading closer to home as the 5-foot-9 rising sophomore guard announced her commitment to play for the UConn Huskies next season.

Originally from Port Chester, N.Y., Heckel will transfer from Southern California to UConn, which she selected over the likes of Notre Dame and Vanderbilt. Along with Wisconsin transfer Serah Williams, Heckel gives Huskies coach Geno Auriemma multiple transfers in one offseason for the first time since the portal was created in 2019.

"Kayleigh has a passion for the game," Auriemma said in a statement. "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."

The No. 13 overall prospect and a McDonald's All-American in the class of 2025, Heckel played in 34 games, including seven starts, for the Trojans last season, averaging 6.1 points, 1.9 assists and 1.3 steals.

Along with the two transfers, UConn returns 10 players from its 2025 women's college basketball national championship team, giving the Huskies the inside track to go back-to-back for the first time since 2015-16.

--Field Level Media