“I jus love her”: UConn commit Kayleigh Heckel applauds ex-USC star Kiki Iriafen’s latest achievement in WNBA

Kayleigh Heckel showed love to former USC teammate Kiki Iriafen after the Washington Mystics star was named the Rookie of the Month.

Iriafen's award - announced by the WNBA on Instagram on Wednesday - comes after she put up 13.9 points, 10.1 rebounds and 1.0 assists per game in May.

UConn commit Heckel shared the WNBA's post to her Instagram story with her reaction.

"I know that's rightttttt🥹 I jus love her❤️," Heckel wrote.

Kayleigh Heckel hypes up Kiki Iriafen on her Instagram story. (Credits: IG/Kayleigh Heckel)

Heckel and Iriafen played alongside one another at USC in 2024. In her freshman campaign, Heckel appeared in 34 games for the Trojans, making seven starts. The guard contributed 6.1 points, 1.4 rebounds and 1.9 assists per game and highlighted her defensive depth with 1.3 steals per game. She knocked down 45.9% of her shots, including 28.3% from beyond the arc.

In Iriafen's final college season, she recorded 18.0 points, 8.4 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game. She added 0.9 steals and 0.6 blocks per game and shot 52.5%.

Currently, the former Trojans teammates are playing at different levels: While Kayleigh Heckel committed to play the 2025 season with the reigning national champions, Kiki Iriafen is picking up awards in her rookie WNBA season.

USC HC Lindsay Gottlieb watches Kiki Iriafen play in WNBA matchup

Kiki Iriafen's college teammates aren't the only people from her past that are hyping her up for her WNBA success. USC coach Lindsay Gottlieb was present to watch her former player in action during the May 21 matchup between the Golden State Valkyries and Washington Mystics.

The coach documented the day on her Instagram story. Gottlieb expressed her excitement about watching Iriafen play with a photo of her and her son Jordan outside the Chase Center.

"Pulling up to our first @valkyries game ... but can't help our excitement to support @kikiiriafen😊✌🏻," Gottlieb wrote.

USC coach Lindsay Gottlieb poses outside the Chase Center with son Jordan. (Credits: IG/Lindsay Gottlieb)

Gottlieb further showed her support by sharing a video of Iriafen taking the court for the Mystics.

"👏🏻👏🏻," Gottlieb wrote.

Lindsay Gottlieb hypes up Kiki Iriafen. (Credits: IG/Lindsay Gottlieb)

Washington fell to Golden State 76-74, but Iriafen put up 10 points and made it a double-double with 12 rebounds. The former Trojans forward is thriving in the WNBA and has her USC family to support her.

About the author

Lindsey Ware is a college sports journalist at Sportskeeda with over five years of experience working with publications such as The News & Observer, The Daily Tar Heel, Triangle Tribune and Cardiac Cane. She has also worked for Major League Baseball, The Holly Springs Salamanders, The Tri-City Chili Peppers, Tuffy Talk, Super Meteors Basketball, Just Good Network and Living Sport.

Lindsey has a Bachelor’s Degree in Media and Journalism from UNC Chapel Hill. Her education allowed Lindsey to gain experience in sports communication, which she honed in internships. Other than being a storyteller and sports fanatic, Lindsey is also a social media and marketing specialist.

Her favorite college team is UNC, although she grew up a N.C. State fan as both of her parents are Wolfpack alumni. Michael Jordan was a huge deal in North Carolina when Lindsey was growing up, and after a summer spent at UNC’s Sports Journalism Camp back in high school, Lindsey was set on being a Tar Heel.

Lindsey's favorite college coach of all time is Roy Williams. During her time attending UNC Chapel Hill and writing for The Daily Tar Heel, Lindsey was lucky enough to meet and speak with Williams a few times. He was like a celebrity on UNC’s campus and was beloved for his coaching style and success with the Tar Heels, accumulating three NCAA championship titles in 18 years.

When not watching or writing about sports, Lindsey enjoys reading, trying new restaurants and coffee shops, and spending time with my friends, family and dog. She also likes to journal, watch movies and paint.

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Edited by William Paul