5 Shocking Facts About Hailey Van Lith: From Transfer Portal Queen To WNBA Rookie Star

As of today, December 10, 2025, Hailey Van Lith has officially transitioned from one of the most talked-about figures in college basketball to a professional athlete, completing her rookie season with the Chicago Sky. Her journey has been nothing short of a whirlwind, marked by high-profile transfers, record-breaking scoring, and a historic Olympic medal, cementing her status as a true generational talent. The intense scrutiny and curiosity surrounding her decisions—from leaving the Louisville Cardinals for the LSU Tigers, then making a final move to the TCU Horned Frogs—only amplified her brand, positioning her as a commercial powerhouse in the new era of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL). This article provides the most current and in-depth look at the 5-foot-9 guard's career, detailing her unprecedented college odyssey, her immediate impact in the WNBA, and the global achievements she’s racked up in the demanding world of 3x3 basketball. We dive into the statistics, the defining moments, and the lucrative endorsements that have made HVL one of the most recognizable and polarizing athletes in modern sports.

Hailey Van Lith: Complete Biography and Professional Profile

Hailey Ann Van Lith, often referred to by her initials HVL, has built a career defined by relentless competitiveness and a willingness to embrace change. Her background is rooted in the Pacific Northwest, but her basketball journey has spanned the entire country, culminating in a professional career in the WNBA.

• Full Name: Hailey Ann Van Lith
• Nickname: HVL
• Date of Birth: September 9, 2001
• Hometown: Wenatchee, Washington
• High School: Cashmere High School (Cashmere, WA)
• College Teams: Louisville Cardinals (2020–2023), LSU Tigers (2023–2024), TCU Horned Frogs (2024–2025)
• Position: Guard
• Height: 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m)
• WNBA Draft: 2025 / Round 1 / Pick 11 (Selected by the Chicago Sky)
• Current Team (2025): Chicago Sky
• Key College Honors: NCAA Final Four Appearance (Louisville), All-ACC First Team, TCU Single-Season Record Holder (Points and Assists)
• International Honors: 2024 Paris Olympics Bronze Medal (3x3 Basketball), 2023 FIBA 3x3 World Cup Gold Medal
• 2025 WNBA Rookie Stats (Regular Season): Played 29 games, averaging 3.5 Points, 1.6 Assists, and 1.1 Rebounds per game.

The Unprecedented College Journey: Louisville, LSU, and TCU

Hailey Van Lith's five-year college career is a defining case study in the modern landscape of the NCAA transfer portal, showcasing her evolution from a pure scorer to a facilitator and back again. Her decision-making process was a constant source of media coverage and fan debate.

She began her career at the University of Louisville under coach Jeff Walz, where she quickly became a star. Over three seasons, she averaged 15.4 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 2.5 assists, leading the Cardinals to the 2022 NCAA Final Four. Her time at Louisville established her as one of the nation's elite perimeter players, known for her relentless motor and clutch scoring ability.

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The first major shock came in 2023 when she transferred to the reigning national champions, the LSU Tigers, to play under coach Kim Mulkey alongside stars like Angel Reese. This move was highly scrutinized, as she transitioned from a primary scoring guard to a point guard role. While her scoring dipped, she developed her playmaking skills, a crucial step for her professional aspirations.

In a final, unexpected twist, Van Lith entered the portal again in 2024 and transferred to the TCU Horned Frogs for her final year of eligibility. This move proved to be a statistical renaissance, allowing her to return to a high-volume scoring and playmaking role. At TCU, she set single-season records for both points and assists, demonstrating her versatility and ability to adapt to any system.

WNBA Debut and Olympic Glory: A Professional Transition

Van Lith's professional career began with the Chicago Sky, who selected her with the 11th overall pick in the first round of the 2025 WNBA Draft. Entering a stacked rookie class that included other high-profile talents, her transition to the WNBA was a significant adjustment. Her rookie season saw her carve out a role as a tenacious reserve guard, playing 29 games and contributing a spark off the bench.

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While her collegiate scoring prowess did not immediately translate to the pro level, with a rookie average of 3.5 points per game, her value lies in her defensive pressure and future potential. Her rookie campaign was a learning experience, focusing on adapting to the speed and physicality of the professional game.

However, her greatest recent achievement came on the international stage. In the summer of 2024, before her WNBA season concluded, Van Lith represented Team USA in the 3x3 Basketball competition at the Paris Olympics. She was instrumental in leading the team to a Bronze Medal, scoring a game-high six points in the bronze-medal game against Canada. This achievement, following her 2023 FIBA 3x3 World Cup Gold Medal, solidified her as one of the best 3x3 players in the world, a unique dual-career path that few athletes pursue.

Beyond the Court: NIL Deals and Global Brand Power

Hailey Van Lith is a trailblazer in the NIL era, leveraging her on-court success, high-profile transfers, and distinctive public image into a massive commercial brand. Her estimated NIL valuation has consistently ranked among the highest in women's college basketball.

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Her marketability is evident in her endorsement portfolio, which includes major deals with global brands. Her partnership with Adidas is one of her most significant, placing her alongside other elite athletes. She has also secured deals with companies like Gatorade, further boosting her visibility across the sports landscape.

Perhaps the most talked-about endorsement was her feature in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue in 2025. This move transcended the traditional sports market, catapulting her into the mainstream media and solidifying her status as a cultural icon. This willingness to embrace non-traditional endorsements has made her a fascinating study in modern athlete branding, where image and personality are just as valuable as performance.

Van Lith's career—from her roots at Cashmere High School to the bright lights of the WNBA and the Olympics—is a testament to her drive. Her story is a perfect encapsulation of the new-age athlete: a talented, competitive, and commercially savvy star who is unafraid to make bold career moves to achieve her goals.