“That means the world”: Geno Auriemma reviews 2 new UConn signings from 2025 recruiting class

Geno Auriemma’s incoming pool of freshmen begins to take shape as the program announced the signing of Kelis Fisher and Gandy Malou-Mamel on Thursday. Fisher is ranked 27th on ESPN’s HoopGurlz recruitment list, while Malou-Mamel takes the 73rd spot.

Auriemma revealed his sentiments on hiring the duo, displaying gratitude for the players' desire to represent UConn Huskies basketball culture.

“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 to here. That means the world that they want to come to UConn. We’re excited about them joining the program.”

Kelis Fisher is a product of IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, which also produced Oregon’s Grace VanSlooten and Minnesota’s Amaya Battle. She's expected to have one of the best high school seasons this year and is named to the watchlist of 2024-25 Naismith Trophy Girl’s High School Player of the Year.

Gandy Malou-Mamel, meanwhile, will become the first Ireland native to don a UConn Huskies jersey. The 6-foot-5 big plays for Gill St. Bernard's School in New Jersey, where she hooped with Boston’s Brooke Baisley and United States Naval Academy’s Sidney Quinn.

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Geno Auriemma praises Kelis Fisher and Gandy Malou-Mamel's skillsets

Despite offers from Maryland, Florida State, Oklahoma and other programs, Kelis Fisher committed to the Huskies in January 2023, allowing Geno Auriemma to closely monitor her growth.

The coach believes the five-star 5-foot-9 point guard will bring athleticism, ability to control the tempo of games and defensive presence to the roster.

"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 she’s been there."

Gandy Malou-Mamel began playing basketball when she was 12. That opens a possibility for quick and impactful growth under Geno Auriemma's tutelage.

"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, meanwhile, brings international experience, as she played for Ireland at the 2024 U20 FIBA Women’s EuroBasket Division B tournament.