Women’s basketball is still growing and evolving, and at the forefront of it all is Hailey Van Lith. Since she began her career in women’s basketball, she has captured the attention of thousands because of her resilience and determination on and off the court. Starting from powerful performances in college to excelling in international 3×3 tournaments, Van Lith has performed exceptionally while also working towards bettering sports for women.
Through this text, we will analyze the unparalleled success and challenges she has faced throughout her journey, which makes her exciting to follow in the sport of women’s basketball, from setting bounds to breaking records and altering the perception of women in sports today.
Her Journey into Basketball
Her journey into basketball started on the 9th of September, 2001, in Wenatchee, Washington. With both parents as athletes, she developed an interest in the sport at an early age. In high school, she was already one of the most promising students, and her performance gave her career prospects, which were unmatched by any of her peers. Cashmere High School Van Lith started to emerge as a basketball wrench after being recognized for her exceptional shooting, leadership, and work ethic as a freshman. She already set multiple school records by her senior year, and her performances were turning the heads of the most sought-after basketball programs across the nation.
High School Success and College Recruitment
Over the years, she was constantly adding to her profile by getting selected to various All-American teams, which, alongside her impressive stat line, was nothing. Still, van Lith’s will and her tenacious drive, athleticism, and scoring ability from anywhere on the court were enough to make her stand out. It was her high school success that ultimately paved the way for her recruitment to the University of Louisville and set her off for a remarkable college basketball career.
She Started Strong at Louisville
Freshman Year at Louisville (2019–2020)
Hailey Vans joined one of the top-rank college basketball programs, the Louisville Cardinals, in 2019 as a freshman. Van Lith started with a bang, averaging 11.2 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game, which was guaranteed to make her a crowd favorite.
Her fearless attitude towards the competition defined her first year with the Cardinals. Taking the big shots did not faze her in the slightest, and she earned a spot on the starting five purely off of her confident gameplay. With her vast offensive capabilities and wide array of skills, Van Lith helped Louisville make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament, exhibiting her potential to be a future star.
Sophomore and Junior Years at Louisville (2020 – 2022)
By her sophomore year, Hailey Van Lith became a household name in the NCAA, and with that newfound fame came high expectations.
As a sophomore, she averaged an impressive 16.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game, and with those numbers, there is no doubt she was becoming a notable figurehead for the Cardinals.
Her value as a player was apparent as she showed up in the stats and led her team to crucial victories. The combination of her being able to score under pressure while also being a versatile player on the court time and time again proved to make her one of the most threatening guards in all of women’s college basketball.
Hailey Van Lith’s performance the following year put her in the national spotlight yet again. She was awarded the All-ACC accolade and bolstered Louisville’s performance in the competition with a run all the way to the NCAA Elite Eight. It was at this point fairly obvious that Van Lith had transcended to a different level, easily dominating the rest of the college basketball players. Her raw skill and talent indicated that she was more than ready to take on the professional scene.
Join the Rest of the Team for the Additions of the Accomplished Ones
Then, in 2022, Hailey Van Lith transferred to join the rest of the squad at Louisiana State University (LSU), forming yet another deadly duo by joining forces with Angel Reese. Van Lith’s time with LSU in the heavily stacked SEC provided her with a different competitive edge to sculpt her impressive resume further. This new exposure allowed her to spike her already high skill level even further.
Her tenure at LSU has proven to be exceptionally fruitful, as her stats showcase her never-ending growth and adaptability. She finished the season averaging 17.4 points, 5.2 assists, and 4.5 rebounds per game, which aided LSU in claiming additional SEC titles alongside leading them on another deep postseason excursion. The combination of Van Lith and Reese single-handedly turned into one of the most electrifying duos college basketball has ever witnessed, with the entirety of LSU’s success as Van Lith’s calm yet commanding leadership translated into wins.
Final Season at TCU: The Peak of Women’s College Basketball
In 2023, Van Lith transferred to Texas Christian University (TCU), where she completed her college education. Her final season was the best one yet. She averaged 17.9 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game, becoming the first player to lead the TCU Horned Frogs to capture the Big 12 Regular Season and Tournament Championships.
Hailey Van Lith’s performance at TCU brought valuable recognition and praise to the program. She did not just excel in offense, but she was also a defensive captain and excellent passer. One of the milestones she accomplished at TCU is being the NCAA all-time leader for games started (172) and minutes played (5,692 minutes) at the same time. She was awarded Big 12 Player of the Year, which added to the growing accolades she earned as one of the best players in Women’s College Basketball.
Hailey Van Lith’s Transition to the WNBA
The fruits of Hailey Van Lith’s determination and skill came in 2025 when she was chosen 11th overall by the Chicago Sky in the WNBA Draft. This symbolized a shift into a new phase of her life, and fans were excited to watch the leap she took into the professional women’s basketball league.
The Chicago Sky is one of the founding members of the WNBA and they didn’t make a mistake picking up Van Lith from the draft. Given her scoring, flexibility, and leadership skills, she is likely to pose great value to The Sky. With her on the roster, the backcourt is bound to improve, and she will serve as a great addition and a new offensive asset to the team.
International Glory: Hailey Van Lith in 3×3 Basketball
Along with her achievements with the traditional 5-on-5 format, Hailey Van Lith has also succeeded in a fast-paced variation of the sport known as 3×3 basketball. Her prowess certainly gives her the edge in global events.
Hailey was a part of the United States team competing in the FIBA 3×3 World Cup, where she went on to win gold medals in 2019 and 2023. Most recently, Van Lith brought home a 3×3 bronze medal in the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, further cementing her standing as one of the finest players globally.
Her achievements in 3×3 basketball are a testament to her well-roundedness in the sport’s various formats and speak to her adaptability and versatility, granting her the title of one of the most distinguished players in the basketball domain.
Advocacy and Personal Life
Off the court, Hailey Van Lith is known to be a strong advocate for mental health and body positivity. She openly shares her battles with anxiety and depression, most notably during her college years. She strives to shed light on the often ignored mental health concerns in sports, encouraging many to find strength in their struggles.
In addition, Van Lith has also emerged as a body positivity activist, specifically working to redefine the perception of women’s beauty by encouraging them to love their bodies. She became the first-ever female athlete to grace the digital cover of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue in April 2025, shattering the media’s conventional portrayal of female athletes.
Through her efforts, she seeks to be a source of inspiration for the young, guiding them to understand that not all strength is physical and that we should embrace our vulnerabilities.
Also Read: Iowa Basketball
What Makes Hailey Van Lith a Player Who Could Be a Pro
1. Amazing Scoring Skill
Hailey Van Lith is one of the best scorers in women’s basketball. She never stops being an offensive threat, be it while driving to the basket, shooting long-range baskets, or assisting her teammates. Her scoring ability is what makes her stand out among her peers, and she is known for making clutch shots when the team needs them the most.
2. Leadership and Work Ethic
Van Lith’s being an outspoken leader can, in fact, be seen in her social media. Through her work as an example, she motivates her peers to achieve more which encourages other women to take her as a role model. Her work ethic is unmatched, and she is always on the lookout for emerging ways to boost her game. From this, we know that she is not just an attacker but seeks to improve the team as a whole.
3. Intense Defensive Action
Even when she isn’t known for scoring, Van Lith has consistently been a great defender. The ability to defend multiple positions, interrupt people’s passing access, or put pressure on the ball makes her a versatile player. Although her teammates may overlook her defensive side, her team’s victory heavily relies on her uninterrupted defense.
4. The Future Developments in Women’s Basketball
Hailey Van Lith is a vivid portrayal of the future of the sport. As a young player with unmatched talent and marketability, she is capturing the spotlight and helping to raise interest in women’s basketball. She is at the very start of her journey, and there is so much more she can achieve.
Conclusion: The Ensemble Summary Dominating the Court, The Bright Future of Hailey Van Lith
In her relatively short career, Hailey Van Lith has accomplished so much already, but this is just the starting point. With her transition into the WNBA alongside her international outings, there is endless potential as to how much she will achieve. Given the circumstances of what she is able to accomplish with her talent, work ethic, and fierce determination, her woes will be a reality in the coming years.
Van Lith’s legacy in women’s basketball is taking shape as we speak, and we can only be certain of more inspiration, entertainment, and milestones for women in sports coming from her.
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