NOTE: This story contains discussion regarding suicidal thoughts.
Early in her college career, Hailey Van Lith looked like a potential lottery pick. She helped lead Louisville to the Final Four as a sophomore then averaged a career-high 19.7 points per game as a junior. But an ill-fated transfer to LSU for her senior campaign left her WNBA future very much in doubt this time a year ago.
That has all changed after Van Lith decided to use her “COVID year” to return to college for a fifth season. She transferred again, this time to TCU, and excelled under coach Mark Campbell. Now, after taking the Horned Frogs to the Elite Eight for the first time in school history, Van Lith is rising up draft boards and looks like a potential first-round pick.
Ahead of the 2025 WNBA Draft, which is set for Monday night in New York, here’s a look at how Van Lith, who averaged 17.9 points, 4.6 rebounds and 5.4 assists this season, was able to resurrect her career.
2025 WNBA Mock Draft 5.0: Paige Bueckers goes No. 1 to Wings, Hailey Van Lith rises following March Madness
Jack Maloney
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