NCAA Sends Message to Hailey Van Lith After WNBA Draft Selection
The NCAA made a point to highlight Hailey Van Lith’s entry into the WNBA during Monday night’s draft. After a disappointing 2023-24 campaign with LSU, many analysts didn’t view her as a first-round pick. However, a breakout 2024-25 season at TCU changed that narrative. Van Lith elevated her game and led the Horned Frogs to their first-ever Elite Eight appearance in the NCAA Tournament, earning both Big 12 Player of the Year and Newcomer of the Year honors along the way.
Her efforts paid off when the Chicago Sky selected her with the 11th overall pick, joining a promising young core that includes Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso. The NCAA celebrated the moment with a congratulatory message on its March Madness X account, writing: “From @NCAA to @WNBA. Congratulations to @haileyvanlith on being selected by the @chicagosky!”
Van Lith’s journey to the pros is a testament to her determination and growth. Despite pre-draft questions about her first-round potential, the Sky clearly believe in what she brings to the table. She’s now expected to add backcourt depth in Chicago and gain valuable experience alongside veteran Courtney Vandersloot. It’s an exciting new chapter for Van Lith as she embarks on her professional career.