The University of Connecticut’s women’s basketball team, fresh off its 2025 NCAA Championship victory, is already looking ahead to the future, with a new wave of talent stepping into the spotlight. One of those rising stars is Kayleigh Heckel, a transfer guard who has quickly made a name for herself in Storrs.
Today, UConn Women’s Basketball announced via their official X account that Heckel will participate in the 2025 USA Basketball Women’s U19 National Team trials, a significant opportunity for the young guard to project her skills nationally.
Kayleigh Heckel’s Journey from USC to UConn Backcourt
A 5’9” guard from Port Chester, New York, she spent her freshman season at the University of Southern California, where she played a key role for the Trojans. During the 2024/2025 season, she appeared in 34 games, starting seven, and averaged 6.1 points and 1.9 assists per game, according to ESPN.
She also ranked third on the team with 45 steals, showcasing her defensive prowess. Her contributions helped USC secure the 2024/2025 Big Ten regular season championship and advance to the Big Ten Championship game and the NCAA Tournament Elite Eight.
After one season at USC, she transferred to UConn for the 2025/2026 season, joining a program with a storied history of success. The move, pivotal for the Huskies, who were coming off their 2025 national championship win, was led by players like National Freshman of the Year Sarah Strong and Final Four Most Outstanding Player Azzi Fudd.
With three years of eligibility remaining, Heckel was seen as a key piece to help fill the void left by graduated star Paige Bueckers, a former National Player of the Year.
UConn head coach Geno Auriemma praised Heckel’s addition to the team, noting her fit within the program’s culture. “Kayleigh has a passion for the game,” Auriemma said in a statement released late last month. “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.”
Kayleigh Heckel will participate in the 2025 USA Basketball Women’s U19 National Team trials! pic.twitter.com/3feSdBbbQz
— UConn Women’s Basketball (@UConnWBB) June 5, 2025
What the USA U19 National Team Trials Mean for Heckel
The 2025 USA Basketball Women’s U19 National Team trials represent a significant opportunity for Heckel to elevate her game. USA Basketball, the national governing body for the sport in the United States, is responsible for selecting and training teams for international competitions, as its official website outlines.
The U19 trials are a proving ground for some of the country’s top young talent, with participants competing for a spot on the team representing the U.S. at FIBA-sponsored events.
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Earning a spot on the U19 roster would provide invaluable experience for Heckel. International competition offers a different level of intensity and exposure, allowing players to test their skills against the best in the world. It’s also a chance to work with top coaches and learn from a high-performance environment, which could accelerate her development as she settles into her role at UConn.
The trials are highly competitive, with only a select few earning a spot on the final roster. Heckel’s defensive skills, highlighted by her 45 steals at USC, could give her an edge, as could her ability to play quickly, a trait Auriemma specifically noted. If she performs well, this could be a springboard for her career at UConn and potentially on the international stage.
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