A Quiet Rise in Storrs
Gandy Malou‑Mamel entered her freshman year at the University of Connecticut with modest expectations, appearing in only two games and scoring a modest bucket against Xavier in her second appearance.
Though the minutes were scarce, the sophomore forward used the season as a laboratory, working closely with former Husky forwards coach Jamelle Elliott and spending countless hours in the weight room to add strength and refine her post play.
Her high school pedigree at Gill St. Bernard’s in New Jersey was impressive, where she posted 17.1 points, 10.2 rebounds and 2.2 blocks per game, a performance that earned her a move from Ireland at the age of sixteen to pursue both education and basketball.
Next season she will battle incoming freshman Olivia Vukosa for a spot in the frontcourt, a competition that coach Geno Auriemma says will test her work ethic and potential.
Auriemma has publicly praised Malou‑Mamel’s dedication, noting that the team’s rebounding average of 37.56 per game, ranking 134th in Division I, could improve with her development in rim protection and board work.
The coaching staff believes that, if she continues to add muscle and sharpen her defensive fundamentals, she could become a key contributor in the frontcourt for the Huskies.