Hailey Van Lith has made the jump from college basketball stardom to the professional ranks. The former TCU standout was selected 11th overall by the Chicago Sky in the 2025 WNBA draft, setting up an exciting reunion with her former LSU teammate Angel Reese.
Van Lith capped her impressive college career by leading the TCU Horned Frogs to their first-ever Elite Eight appearance. She put up outstanding numbers in her senior season, averaging 18.9 points and 6.7 assists per game while shooting an impressive 41% from three-point range.
Her basketball talents extend beyond the college courts. Van Lith also claimed a bronze medal in 3x3 basketball at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, showcasing her skills on the international stage.
Record-Breaking College Career
Van Lith made NCAA history as the first player ever to reach the Elite Eight with three different programs. Her journey took her through Louisville, LSU, and finally TCU before concluding her five-year college career in 2025.
At LSU, she played alongside Angel Reese during the 2023-24 season. Their run ended with a loss to Caitlin Clark's Iowa team in the Elite Eight, which marked Reese's final college season before turning pro.
Van Lith's standout performances and leadership qualities at TCU didn't go unnoticed by WNBA scouts. Her ability to create plays while maintaining a high shooting percentage made her a valuable prospect in the draft.
Chicago Sky's New Big Three
The Chicago Sky look set to build around an exciting young core. Van Lith joins Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso to form what could become one of the league's most dynamic trios.
New head coach Tyler Marsh brings championship experience to the Sky. As a former assistant with the Las Vegas Aces, he helped guide them to back-to-back WNBA titles before taking the Chicago job.
Van Lith has already shown promise in preseason action. Against Brazil and the Minnesota Lynx, she displayed her three-point shooting touch, smart passing decisions, and ball security—all crucial skills for a rookie guard entering the league.
For basketball fans and bettors alike, the Sky's new lineup presents interesting possibilities. Van Lith's shooting ability could create spacing for Reese and Cardoso to operate inside, potentially making Chicago a more balanced offensive threat than oddsmakers might initially project.
With Van Lith's playmaking skills complementing the Sky's imposing frontcourt, Chicago could exceed expectations in the upcoming WNBA season. The team's development will be worth watching closely, especially in early-season matchups where betting lines might not yet reflect their full potential.
