Hailey Van Lith’s long college career ends with a loss, but also redemption

BIRMINGHAM, Ala — Standing at the top of the key, as Texas celebrated its first Final Four trip since 2003, TCU coach Mark Campbell addressed his players on the court for the final time this season. He then turned to his star, Hailey Van Lith, and gave her a hug.

They embraced for about a minute before waving goodbye to their fans and walking off the court arm in arm.

The second-seeded Horned Frogs were fresh off their 58-47 loss to top-seeded Texas on Monday night, ending Van Lith’s long career that has spanned five seasons with three different teams in five Elite Eights.

But no tears rolled down her face on the court.

Those came when TCU got back into the locker room and even at times in the postgame news conference. When Van Lith got choked up, it was from talking about her season at TCU and Campbell, not the loss to Texas.

“He has just breathed life into me, and from a life perspective, he’s taught me a lot of great lessons about how to have healthy relationships, and what it takes to have a healthy relationship, and how much better life can be if you just let people see who you are,” Van Lith said.

Hailey Van Lith embraces her coach after her last collegiate game ❤️ pic.twitter.com/tMvictQfSg

— ESPN (@espn) April 1, 2025

Van Lith arrived at TCU with no…