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.

When Kayleigh Heckel entered the transfer portal, we all began to ask ourselves where she would end up. It turns out that she wanted to go to the reigning national champions and the team which ended USC's season. Yes, Heckel committed to the University of Connecticut on Tuesday. K-9 will be a UConn Husky. She will play for Geno Auriemma.