USC Women’s Basketball Adds Another Star In Kayleigh Heckel
November 14, 2023 | Women's Basketball
The New York native is heading to USC in 2024-25.
The USC women's basketball program's incoming onslaught of talent gets another big boost with the signing of point guard Kayleigh Heckel to join the Women of Troy, head coach Lindsay Gottlieb announced today (Nov. 14). Already having pinned up 2,000 points in her prep career, Heckel will come to USC out of Long Island Lutheran High School for 2024-24.
"We went all the way to New York to find a point guard that is a terrific fit for our style," Gottlieb said of Heckel. "Kayleigh is first and foremost a winning player. She is tough on the defensive end and loves to push the ball in an uptempo style. She can score the ball, but is also a high-level distributor who has a knack for racking up assists and putting teammates in position to score."
Heckel helped lead her high school squad to a national runner-up finish in her junior season and was named the MaxPreps New York Player of the Year. Ranked No. 27 in the nation overall, she also is a 2022 Nike TOC Champion and plays AAU ball with Exodus NYC.
"The two players we have added to our '24 class today are both incredibly bright and accomplished students, fun-loving people and gifted athletes who care about winning at a very high level. I am so grateful they have joined the Women of Troy family," Gottlieb said. "I credit our coaching and support staff for continuing the find the very best student-athletes, and helping to create an environment in which our players can thrive on and off the court."
"We went all the way to New York to find a point guard that is a terrific fit for our style," Gottlieb said of Heckel. "Kayleigh is first and foremost a winning player. She is tough on the defensive end and loves to push the ball in an uptempo style. She can score the ball, but is also a high-level distributor who has a knack for racking up assists and putting teammates in position to score."
Heckel helped lead her high school squad to a national runner-up finish in her junior season and was named the MaxPreps New York Player of the Year. Ranked No. 27 in the nation overall, she also is a 2022 Nike TOC Champion and plays AAU ball with Exodus NYC.
Heckel joins a talented group of incoming freshmen who have signed on to join the Trojans for 2024-25. She accompanies teammates-to-be Rian Forestier (San Antonio, Texas), Avery Howell (Boise, Idaho) and Laura Williams (Fairfax, Va.), who signed on Nov. 8, and California native Kennedy Smith, who also signed on with the Women of Troy today.One of the nation's most dynamic guards is headed out west.
— USC Women's Basketball (@USCWBB) November 14, 2023
Welcome to the family, @Kayleigh_Heckel! ✌️ pic.twitter.com/DUiJ3dn5bJ
"The two players we have added to our '24 class today are both incredibly bright and accomplished students, fun-loving people and gifted athletes who care about winning at a very high level. I am so grateful they have joined the Women of Troy family," Gottlieb said. "I credit our coaching and support staff for continuing the find the very best student-athletes, and helping to create an environment in which our players can thrive on and off the court."
Women's Basketball Head Coach Lindsay Gottlieb Media Availability 9/18/25
Thursday, September 18
USC WBB's Lindsay Gottlieb, Rayah Marshall and Talia von Oelhoffen | Trojan Press Conference
Monday, March 31
USC WBB heads to the Elite 8, defeats Kansas State in Sweet 16 | Rapid Reaction
Saturday, March 29
Kennedy Smith on USC WBB heading to the Elite Eight, Trojan freshmen getting the job done
Saturday, March 29
