2 Recruits Sign With UConn Women

STORRS, CT — Two recruits have committed to the University of Connecticut women's basketball team, including a center who is making history.

Head coach Geno Auriemma Thursday announced the signing of Kelis Fisher and Gandy Malou-Mamel to the 2025 freshman class.

"I think we’ve got a pretty good mix of athletes coming in," Auriemma said. "It was a pleasure recruiting them because they want to come here. That means the world ... that they want to come to UConn. We're excited about them joining the program."

A 5-9 guard from Baltimore, Md., Fisher is ESPN’s No. 27-ranked recruit. She attends IMG Academy in Bradenton, FL. Fisher was named to the 2024-25 Naismith Trophy Girl’s High School Player of the Year watch list on Wednesday.

"Kelis is an athletic guard that can have an impact on the game at both ends of the court," Auriemma said. "I think she can be a tremendous defender. Kelis plays at IMG, which has allowed her to play against some great competition. She's improved every year that she’s been there."

Fisher participated in USA Basketball’s junior national team minicamp in April. She also competed in Overtime Select in September, leading ISO World to the championship game with 31 points and 11 rebounds in the semifinal game.

A 6-6 center from Limerick, Ireland, Malou-Mamel represented Ireland at the 2024 FIBA U20 Women's EuroBasket Division B tournament. She averaged 10.6 points and 10.0 rebounds in the tournament.

"Gandy is in some ways raw, but she has a couple characteristics that are really valuable," Auriemma said. "She runs the floor great, and she wants to play defense and rebound the ball. We certainly could use another big post presence, and she’ll be a great compliment to the bigs we have on the roster now."

Malou-Mamel attends Gill St. Bermard’s in Gladstone, N.J. She averaged 16.6 points, 9.6 rebounds and 2.6 blocks per game in 2023-24.

Malou-Mamel will be the first Irish player in UConn history.