UConn hooper Kayleigh Heckel drops 4-word reaction as 2025 commit Nayia Chrys poses with heaps of Huskies gear

It hasn't even been even a season with UConn for Kayleigh Heckel, but the guard has already forged connections that extend beyond the basketball team. One of the Huskies' latest rowing team commits, Nayia Chrys (Chysathopoulos), showcased the appreciation the school has showered on her through Instagram.

In Chrys' post from Saturday, the freshman was sitting on a bed and surrounded by program gear. The photo showcased an embroidered T-shirt, muffins, Doritos, ACT II popcorn, a cap, a banner, a soft toy of a husky pup, Capri Sun and a lot more.

"Soo grateful💙🤍 #uconnhuskies," it read.

As friends and fans reacted to Nayia Chrys' post, women's basketball's Kayleigh Heckel joined in.

"LIKE PERIOD GO HUSKIES," she wrote.

Heckel's reaction to UConn rowing freshman Chrys' IG post | via @nayiachrys/ig

Heckel's comment on Chrys' post highlights cross-sport camaraderie within the University of Connecticut. It's a common theme among the school's athletes to support and cheer for players outside of their sport. Even coaches have embraced the wide Huskies family.

Last year, men's basketball coach Dan Hurley showcased his support for football coach Jim L. Mora. He encouraged fans to fill up the Pratt & Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field and cheer for UConn against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons.

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Kayleigh Heckel could lace up for the 2025 U19 World Cup

UConn's transfer portal addition, Kayleigh Heckel, has a chance to lace up in Czechia for the nation at the 2025 U19 World Cup next month. However, the guard will have to leave a mark at the USA Basketball U19 trials to do so.

Heckel is one of the few players to earn an invite from the national program. She will take an early leave from UConn's summer practice for a tryout in Colorado Springs. The guard played on the U18 roster for the AmeriCup last year, averaging 12.8 points and 3.7 assists and leading Team USA to the gold medal.

Kayleigh Heckel is coming off a freshman season with the USC Trojans. She started seven games, experiencing 16.9 minutes of action throughout the season.

She entered the portal this offseason and joins UConn as a point guard who can not only handle the ball but also dictate the momentum of games.