Hailey Van Lith

Hailey Van Lith's basketball journey began with a remarkable trajectory in high school. At Cashmere High School in Cashmere, Washington, she wasn't merely a standout player; she was a record-breaker. Her scoring prowess led her to become the all-time leading scorer in state history, a testament to her consistent offensive dominance and longevity on the court.

This extraordinary achievement, coupled with her selection as a McDonald's All-American, solidified her status as one of the nation's most coveted recruits. These accolades signaled her readiness for the higher echelons of collegiate basketball, foreshadowing a career marked by significant achievements and leadership.

Van Lith's collegiate career was characterized by significant contributions and a willingness to adapt. Her initial three seasons were spent with the Louisville Cardinals, where she quickly established herself as a premier player. Earning first-team All-ACC honors twice underscores her consistent high-level performance in one of the nation's most competitive conferences.

Her sophomore year was a highlight, as she was instrumental in leading the Cardinals to the Final Four, a pinnacle of collegiate basketball achievement. Following this success, she transferred to LSU and subsequently to TCU for her fifth and final collegiate season, demonstrating a strategic approach to her development and seeking new challenges.

Her tenure at TCU marked a transformative period for the Horned Frogs program. Van Lith's arrival injected a new level of talent and leadership, culminating in her being named the Big 12 Player of the Year. This individual honor was a reflection of her all-around game and impact on her team's success.

More significantly, she guided TCU to historic achievements: their first-ever Big 12 regular season title and their first-ever conference tournament championship. This dual accomplishment signifies her ability to not only perform at an elite individual level but also to elevate her team to unprecedented heights, rewriting the program's history books.

Hailey Van Lith's influence extends globally, particularly in the dynamic sport of 3x3 basketball. She has been a formidable force for the United States national teams, amassing an impressive collection of international accolades. Her achievements include two gold medals at the youth international level, demonstrating her early promise.

As a senior national team player, she secured a gold medal at the 2023 FIBA 3x3 World Cup and a bronze medal at the 2024 Summer Olympics. Her MVP award at the 2019 FIBA 3x3 Under-18 World Cup further cements her legacy as a standout player in this fast-paced, strategic discipline of basketball.

The culmination of Van Lith's collegiate and international success was her selection in the 2025 WNBA draft. The Chicago Sky recognized her potential and drafted her with the 11th overall pick, marking her entry into the premier professional women's basketball league. This transition represents the next chapter in her already illustrious career, where she will compete against the world's best players.

Her journey from a record-setting high school athlete to a decorated international champion and now a WNBA player exemplifies a dedication to excellence and a relentless pursuit of her basketball ambitions, inspiring a new generation of athletes.