The Game-Changing Season
During her one season at LSU (2023-24), Hailey Van Lith averaged 11.6 points and 3.6 assists per game, helping the team achieve a 31-6 record and reach the Elite Eight in the NCAA Tournament alongside Angel Reese. The success of LSU’s Elite Eight run captured the attention of several different audiences.
Van Lith’s Final Season at TCU
In her final season at TCU, Van Lith led the team to its inaugural Big 12 regular-season and tournament championships, as well as its first Elite Eight appearance in program history. She also enjoyed personal accolades, earning the titles Big 12 Player of the Year and Newcomer of the Year while breaking school records for points and assists.
A Career Starting in Chicago
On Monday night, the Chicago Sky made a big splash in the 2025 WNBA Draft by selecting Van Lith with the No. 11 overall pick. It’s exciting to see her reunite with her former LSU teammate, Reese, especially since they played together on the Tigers just two years ago. Bringing back teammate chemistry can be major to a program striving towards a championship trophy. “Angel has maintained contact with me this whole past year she’s been in the league, and I transferred,” Van Lith said.” I really appreciate her.
“I think we have a lot of similarities about how we carry ourselves and our mindset about what’s important to us,” Van Lith said when asked about Reese in a press conference Monday night via USA Today’s Meghan L. Hall.
A Must-Watch WNBA Season
The rise of star athletes like Reese and Van Lith further contributed to the sport’s appeal, drawing in new audiences and creating a sense of community among fans. The rising stars of the WNBA will continue to bring the passion for college basketball to the WNBA’s big stage.
