The USC transfer will compete for a chance to play in the 2025 U19 World Cup this summer.
Kayleigh Heckel will depart UConn’s summer workouts early to participate in USA Basketball’s U19 National Team trials in Colorado Springs, the team announced on Thursday. Beginning on June 18, she’ll compete for a spot on the 12-player roster ahead of the FIBA U19 World Cup in Czechia.
Heckel previously represented the US at the 2024 FIBA U18 AmeriCup. She won gold and earned a spot on the all-tournament second team after averaging 12.8 points, 3.8 rebounds and 3.7 assists. If she makes the cut, she’ll be the third member of UConn’s roster to play in a U19 World Cup, joining Azzi Fudd (2021) and Allie Ziebell (2023).
Along with Heckel, Sarah Strong also spent time with USA Basketball this summer. The rising sophomore participated in the 2025 FIBA 3×3 Women’s Series, where the US finished sixth.
The 2025 FIBA U19 World Cup will take place in Brno, Czechia from July 12-20.