In a highly anticipated move during the 2025 WNBA Draft, the Chicago Sky selected point guard Hailey Van Lith with the 11th overall pick. This selection marks a significant reunion with her LSU teammate, Angel Reese, as both players aim to make an impact together in the professional league. Following a remarkable collegiate season with TCU, where she showcased her skills and determination, Van Lith is ready to transition to the WNBA and pursue her dreams on the hardwood.
| Article Subheadings |
|---|
| 1) Hailey Van Lith’s College Career at TCU |
| 2) Transition from LSU to WNBA |
| 3) Achievements and Awards |
| 4) The Chicago Sky’s Draft Strategy |
| 5) Future Prospects for Van Lith in the WNBA |
Hailey Van Lith’s College Career at TCU
Hailey Van Lith’s journey through collegiate basketball has been both challenging and rewarding. After starting her career at Louisville, where she achieved numerous accolades, she transferred to TCU, a move that ultimately paid off in a big way. During her time at TCU, she was instrumental in leading the Horned Frogs to the Elite Eight, demonstrating her scoring ability and playmaking skills. Last season, she averaged an impressive 17.9 points per game, alongside 4.6 rebounds and 5.4 assists, showcasing her all-around game.
Van Lith’s ability to shoot effectively was on full display, as she recorded a career-high shooting percentage of 45.9%. This significant improvement marked her as one of the top prospects in the country. Along with her scoring, she also set single-season records at TCU with 680 total points and 204 assists, further asserting her dominance on the court.
Transition from LSU to WNBA
Transitioning to the professional level is a significant change for any athlete, and Van Lith is no exception. After a brief stint at LSU, where she teamed up with Angel Reese, the expectations were high. However, her season at LSU did not go as planned; she averaged 11.6 points and posted her lowest shooting percentage at 37.8%. This difficult period in her career did not deter her resolve. Instead, it served as a catalyst for her impressive comeback season at TCU.
Now, as she prepares to join the WNBA, Van Lith’s experience in both high-pressure environments and her previous collegiate successes will be invaluable. The Chicago Sky will be looking for her leadership and experience as they aim to compete for a championship.
Achievements and Awards
Hailey Van Lith’s accolades speak volumes about her capabilities and hard work. Her recent season earned her the prestigious titles of Big 12 Player of the Year and Newcomer of the Year, reflecting her prowess on the court. Notably, Van Lith not only excelled in collegiate play but also represented the United States in the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, where she helped the women’s 3×3 basketball team secure a bronze medal.
These achievements, coupled with her determination and resilience, set a high standard for her performance at the professional level. Moving forward, Van Lith aims to apply the lessons she learned during her college days while continuously working on her game to thrive in the fast-paced WNBA environment.
The Chicago Sky’s Draft Strategy
The Chicago Sky’s decision to draft Van Lith was part of a broader strategic plan aimed at enhancing their roster. Prior to selecting Van Lith, the team also acquired Slovenian power forward Ajsa Sivka with the 10th overall pick, indicating their commitment to building a competitive squad. The Sky are focused not only on immediate performance but also on developing young talent to create a sustainable future.
Van Lith’s selection signifies the team’s confidence in her potential to elevate their play. Known for her scoring ability and court vision, she is expected to play a critical role in the Sky’s offensive scheme, potentially pairing well with established stars like Angel Reese.
Future Prospects for Van Lith in the WNBA
As Van Lith embarks on her professional career, expectations are high, and the pressure will be palpable. However, her past experiences have prepared her for this moment. With her college accolades and the support of her teammate Angel Reese, who has already made waves in the league, she looks poised to make a significant impact this season.
The WNBA presents a unique set of challenges for Van Lith as she navigates the demands of a professional schedule while honing her skills against top-tier competition. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how she adapts and thrives in this new environment. If her college performance is any indication, Van Lith has all the tools she needs to succeed and potentially become a future star in the league.
| No. | Key Points |
|---|---|
| 1 | Hailey Van Lith was selected 11th overall by the Chicago Sky in the 2025 WNBA Draft. |
| 2 | She averaged 17.9 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 5.4 assists during her last season at TCU. |
| 3 | Van Lith earned Big 12 Player and Newcomer of the Year accolades for her performance last season. |
| 4 | The Chicago Sky is focused on building a competitive team for the future. |
| 5 | Van Lith aims to apply her collegiate success to her professional career. |
Summary
Hailey Van Lith’s transition from collegiate athlete to professional basketball player is a noteworthy journey, encapsulating both the challenges and triumphs athletes face in their careers. Her selection by the Chicago Sky is a culmination of hard work, determination, and undeniable talent. As she teams up with fellow former LSU player Angel Reese, expectations are high for the duo to make significant contributions to their team. With her proven track record at TCU and the experience gained from her previous college stints, Van Lith is set to carve out her place in the WNBA.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: What has been Hailey Van Lith’s most significant achievement in college?
Hailey Van Lith’s most significant achievement in college includes being named the Big 12 Player of the Year and Newcomer of the Year while leading the TCU Horned Frogs to the Elite Eight during her last NCAA season.
Question: How did Van Lith perform during her time at LSU?
Van Lith had a challenging year at LSU, averaging 11.6 points per game and recording her lowest career shooting percentage at 37.8%, but she used that experience to bounce back at TCU.
Question: What are the expectations for Van Lith in the WNBA?
Expectations for Van Lith in the WNBA are high, with fans and analysts anticipating her to make an immediate impact with the Chicago Sky, especially in collaboration with her teammate Angel Reese.
