UConn and coach Geno Auriemma received a major boost for their title defense Tuesday when former USC guard Kayleigh Heckel announced she has committed to the Huskies out of the transfer portal. A little over a month ago, UConn knocked USC out of the 2025 Women's NCAA Tournament in the Elite Eight.

From her family's athletic background to her East Coast roots, here's what you need to know about UConn women's basketball commit Kayleigh Heckel.

Heckel is UConn's second transfer addition of the offseason. The Huskies also added Serah Williams, a 6-foot-4 forward and rising senior from Wisconsin. UConn is also returning two major pillars of their team in 2025 Final Four Most Outstanding Player Azzi Fudd and superstar freshman Sarah Strong.