The NCAA made sure to celebrate Hailey Van Lith’s move to the WNBA during Monday’s draft.
After an underwhelming year with the LSU Tigers in 2023-24, she was not considered first-round material by several publications and sports media networks. Van Lith’s sensational 2024-25 season with the TCU Horned Frogs, however, allowed her to improve her draft stock.
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The 23-year-old guard proved her doubters wrong by leading TCU to the program’s first-ever Elite Eight appearance in the NCAA Tournament. She was also named Big 12 Player of the Year and Newcomer of the Year for her massive contributions to the Horned Frogs’ rise.
As a result, the Chicago Sky took Van Lith with the No. 11 pick in the draft, adding her to their young core of Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso.
Following her selection, the NCAA sent a congratulatory message to Van Lith as it commemorated the significant moment in the youngster’s career.
“From @NCAA [to] @WNBA,” the NCAA’s March Madness X account wrote. “Congratulations to @haileyvanlith on being selected by the @chicagosky!”
Sure enough, Hailey Van Lith deserves credit for the work she has put in to make it to the WNBA. Prior to the draft, there were still concerns whether or not she would actually get selected in the first round.
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The Sky, nonetheless, clearly have faith in her and the potential she has shown. Now, she’s expected to provide Chicago with some guard depth while learning from WNBA veteran Courtney Vandersloot.
Hailey Van Lith on the orange carpet before the 2025 WNBA Draft.Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Indeed, exciting times are ahead for Van Lith as she steps into the pros.
Related: Hailey Van Lith’s Dad Leaves Fans Crying Before WNBA Draft
