UConn Huskies, Geno Auriemma Get Huge Transfer Portal News on Wednesday

Heckel, a former five-star recruit and one of the top guards in the portal, played her freshman season at USC, where she averaged 6.1 points, 1.9 assists, 1.4 rebounds, and 1.3 steals in just under 17 minutes per game.

The former Woman of Troy emerged as a key contributor during the Trojans’ NCAA Tournament run before falling to UConn in the Elite Eight, marking the second straight year the Huskies eliminated USC at that stage.

While USC's season unraveled following JuJu Watkins’ ACL injury and key departures like Kiki Iriafen and Rayah Marshall to the WNBA, UConn reloaded with purpose.

The loss of superstar Paige Bueckers to the WNBA and veteran Kaitlyn Chen left gaps, but the return of Azzi Fudd, KK Arnold, Ashlynn Shade, and standout freshman Sarah Strong, paired with the additions of Heckel and Wisconsin transfer Serah Williams, has UConn primed to chase back-to-back titles for the first time since its four-peat from 2013–2016.

Heckel’s energy, elite finishing ability, and defensive tenacity drew praise from USC head coach Lindsay Gottlieb, who noted her rare ability to “get by anybody” as a point guard. While she may initially serve in a supporting role, Heckel joins a program renowned for developing guards into stars.

With a loaded roster and Auriemma at the helm, the Huskies are positioned once again as national title favorites. And now, with one of USC’s brightest young talents in their corner, UConn’s championship window remains wide open.