How Hailey Van Lith became one of college basketball’s most adaptable winners

A Proven Winner Across Three Programs

Winning has followed Hailey Van Lith at every step of her collegiate basketball journey. Over the course of five seasons, she reached the NCAA Elite Eight with three different programs—Louisville, LSU, and TCU—each time playing a distinct role and showcasing the adaptability that now defines her game.

“I’m very willing and open to adapting, and that’s necessary for the next level,” Van Lith said following the Sweet 16 this year. “I think [WNBA teams] are seeing that in me… I’m willing to morph and restructure myself to help any program win.”

Now a fringe first-round pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft, Van Lith’s journey reflects more than statistics—it’s about transformation, resilience, and a consistent commitment to winning basketball.

Rising Through Change: From Louisville to LSU to TCU

Van Lith began her college career at Louisville, where she arrived as a record-breaking scorer out of Cashmere High School in Washington. As a Cardinal, she earned national attention with consistent scoring and playmaking, leading her team to the 2021 Final Four and averaging over 19 points, four rebounds, and three assists in the Power Five—matched only by Iowa’s Caitlin Clark.

But after a challenging 12-loss season in 2023, Van Lith transferred to LSU. There, her role shifted as she attempted to adjust to a point guard position in a system that didn’t suit her natural style. Her scoring dipped, but she embraced a team-first mentality.

“I would rather be known as a winner than a scorer,” she said during LSU’s 2024 tournament run. “If all you're going to ask me to do is score, that's something I can definitely do.”

Despite a tough Elite Eight loss to Iowa and scrutiny of her defensive performance, Van Lith focused on self-awareness and growth—eventually choosing not to enter the draft but to use her final year of eligibility at TCU.

Rebuilding Confidence and Identity at TCU

At TCU, Van Lith found renewed purpose. Despite the team’s injury struggles, she became a vocal leader and a central figure in their return to the Elite Eight. With support from head coach Mark Campbell—who had once recruited her to Oregon—she rediscovered the confidence and joy that had defined her earlier success.

“He 100% played a huge role in me falling back into a really comfortable place of knowing who I am,” Van Lith said.

Campbell praised her evolution as a teammate and leader: “She’s been vulnerable with all of us. Once she realized there was a real safe space for her, it's been so neat to watch her blossom.”

Van Lith described the year at TCU as the one where she truly felt grounded—on and off the court. That renewed sense of purpose and connection fueled both her play and her growing leadership profile.

International Pedigree and 3x3 Versatility

Van Lith’s resume extends well beyond college basketball. She represented the United States in 3x3 basketball, a format that strips away specialization and demands complete skill sets. Playing alongside WNBA stars like Rhyne Howard and Dearica Hamby, she led the team to a bronze medal at the 2024 Olympic qualifier, scoring a team-high 47 points.

She credits 3x3 with sharpening her game and preparing her for the professional level.

“All the things you would want to get better at, 3x3 gives you the opportunity,” she said. “It’s going to make me such a better player in the long run.”

The 3x3 path has paid dividends for other WNBA players. Stefanie Dolson won Olympic gold and then a WNBA title. Kelsey Plum and Jackie Young turned Olympic momentum into All-Star seasons. Van Lith could be next in line.

Draft Value Beyond the Numbers

While Van Lith may not top statistical charts in the 2024 draft class, her value lies in her versatility, maturity, and track record of winning in vastly different environments. She’s succeeded as a primary scorer, a role player in a superteam, and a team captain shaping culture.

“She’s the best teammate I’ve ever had,” said TCU teammate Sedona Prince. “On and off the court.”

That character—and her ability to lift teams in any role—has drawn attention from WNBA front offices. Dallas Wings GM Curt Miller emphasized how franchises seek players who bring “competitiveness and winning” into locker rooms. With the Wings holding picks 12 and 14, Van Lith may soon find a new opportunity to make an impact at the next level.
 

Hailey Van Lith’s path has been one of reinvention—on the scoreboard, in the locker room, and within herself. No matter where her name is called on draft night, she brings more than numbers: she brings an identity forged by adaptability, self-awareness, and the desire to win through any role she’s asked to play.

Stay tuned to The Horizons Times for full WNBA Draft coverage and in-depth profiles on rising stars like Hailey Van Lith.