In a significant move that has USC women’s basketball coach Lindsay Gottlieb ecstatic, the team has officially signed two elite 2024 recruits, Kayleigh Heckel and Kennedy Smith. Entering her third season as head coach, Gottlieb has already brought USC’s women’s hoops program into relevance, and this latest development suggests a promising future for the team.
Key Takeaways:
- Kayleigh Heckel, a point guard from Long Island Lutheran, New York, and Kennedy Smith, a wing from Etiwanda, California, have committed to USC, bolstering the team’s roster.
- Heckel, who scored over 2,000 points during her time at Long Island Lutheran, chose USC over prestigious programs like Tennessee, Stanford, and Alabama.
- Smith played a crucial role in her team’s state championship victory in California, showcasing her talent and potential on the court.
Both Heckel and Smith are highly regarded in their respective positions. ESPNW ranks Heckel as the 29th best recruit in the 2024 class, while Smith impressively secures the 6th spot on the same list. These two talented athletes join three other committed players in USC’s 2024 class, including guard Avery Howell, guard Rian Forestier, and forward Laura Williams.
The USC women’s basketball team is currently riding high, sitting at the 10th spot in the national rankings and maintaining a perfect 3-0 start to the season. Coach Gottlieb’s efforts in recruiting top talent are paying off, and Trojan fans have reason to be excited about the program’s future.
Coach Gottlieb shared her thoughts on the local recruit:
“She is a winner. With the ability to play and defend multiple positions, she is going to be an electric player in the Galen Center. Kennedy’s decision to stay home will have a lasting impact on our program, and is really significant as we take steps to become a national power in women’s basketball.”
With Heckel and Smith onboard, USC is well-positioned to continue its upward trajectory in the women’s college basketball landscape. Their skills, dedication, and potential will undoubtedly contribute to the team’s continued success in the seasons to come. Coach Gottlieb’s vision for USC women’s basketball is becoming a reality, and the Trojan faithful can look forward to an exciting future on the hardwood.
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