Just a short five months ago, Kayleigh Heckel was in a red and gold jersey playing for the University of Southern California Trojans against UConn in the Elite 8.
Now, Heckel, a 5-foot-9 guard, is sporting a white and blue uniform, playing for the Connecticut Huskies for her sophomore campaign.
Originally from Port Chester, N.Y., Heckel grew up near Connecticut, watching the Huskies.
“I mean, I always watched UConn when I was young and it’s a lot of people’s dream school, dream place to be; I mean, it’s the Basketball Capital of the World.” Heckel said in a media availability in June.
When collegiate athletes enter the transfer portal, it’s not often that they end up at a school they are against in marquee matchups, but Heckel fits into the squad like the perfect puzzle piece.
“I think at the beginning I was kinda like ‘Oh wow, I always dreamed of being at a place as great as this,’” Heckel said, “I’m just super excited to get to work here and to be able to contribute to what they already created here.”
Heckel played in 37 games as a Trojan last season, averaging 6.1 points, 1.9 assists and 1.3 steals per game.
Over the summer, she also won a gold medal at the 2025 FIBA U19 World Cup, finding herself in the starting lineup in every matchup. In addition, she was selected to participate in Kelsey Plum’s Dawg Class, alongside her future UConn teammate, KK Arnold.
“Kayleigh [Heckel] has a passion for the game. She plays at a quick pace and can impact both ends of the court,” Head coach of the Huskies, Geno Auriemma, said,. “She’s a great teammate and someone who wants to grow on and off the court. We’re excited to have her at Connecticut.”
This past weekend, the program hosted an open practice at Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, Conn. Heckel was immediately noticeable in the backcourt.
She was pushing herself alongside her other teammates in transition, a trait her fellow guards on the squad, Arnold and Ashlynn Shade also possess.
With the grittiness that Arnold and Shade bring every time they step out on the court, Heckel is the perfect addition to make probably the most lethal point guard trio in women’s college basketball.
During the media availability in June, Heckel described the hardest transition for her has been the intensity, but she feels that will push her to be an even better player in the long run, on her way to help the Huskies win another championship.
“It’s the place I need to be and it’s the place I can become the best version of myself.” Heckel said.
If Heckel is any indication, it proves that yes, the women’s college basketball world is ever changing, but you will always find your way back home.