In the world of women’s basketball, few players have made as significant an impact in such a short time as Hailey Van Lith. The Washington native burst onto the national scene as a tenacious defender and prolific scorer, helping lead the Louisville Cardinals to the Final Four in 2022. But her journey to becoming one of the sport’s premier players began long before her collegiate career.
A High School Phenom
Van Lith’s basketball prowess was evident from an early age. At Cashmere High School, she shattered records left and right, amassing over 2,000 career points while averaging an astounding 33.8 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game. Her dominance caught the attention of scouts nationwide, earning her recognition as the No. 7 overall recruit in the espnW HoopGurlz class of 2020 rankings.
The accolades poured in during her high school career. Van Lith was named a McDonald’s All-American, the Gatorade Player of the Year in Washington, and a two-time state Class 1A Player of the Year. Her impact extended beyond individual honors, as she led Cashmere to multiple state tournament appearances.
Thriving as a Cardinal
Van Lith’s transition to the college game was seamless. As a freshman at Louisville, she started all 30 games, averaging 11.2 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 2.1 assists while helping guide the Cardinals to the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament. Her tenacity on both ends of the court quickly endeared her to fans and teammates alike.
But it was in her sophomore season that Van Lith truly blossomed into a star. She upped her averages to 14.4 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game en route to earning First-Team All-ACC honors. Her postseason performance was even more impressive, as she led Louisville to the Final Four and was named the NCAA Wichita Regional Most Outstanding Player.
Reaching New Heights
As a junior, Van Lith took her game to unprecedented levels. She averaged a career-high 19.7 points per game, becoming one of only two Power Five players to post at least 19 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists per contest. Her scoring outbursts became a regular occurrence, as she tallied 20 or more points in each of Louisville’s four NCAA Tournament games.
“Hailey is an absolute competitor. She plays so hard and has a motor that never stops,” praised a former teammate. “She’s the type of player who makes everyone around her better.”
Van Lith’s junior season culminated in a host of individual accolades, including First-Team All-ACC, AP Honorable Mention All-American, and USBWA Honorable Mention All-American honors. She also etched her name into the Louisville record books, surpassing the 1,000-point mark for her career.
A Change of Scenery
For her final year of collegiate eligibility, Van Lith made the surprising decision to transfer to LSU. While her scoring average dipped to 11.6 points per game, she remained an integral part of the Tigers’ success, starting all 33 games and helping lead the team to the Elite Eight.
Now, as a graduate student at TCU, Van Lith looks to add another chapter to her already illustrious career. Her experience, leadership, and unrelenting competitiveness make her a valuable asset to any program.
Shining on the International Stage
Van Lith’s impact extends far beyond the collegiate ranks. She has been a mainstay on Team USA, representing her country in both 3×3 and 5-on-5 competitions. Her international resumé is studded with gold medals, including triumphs at the 2019 FIBA 3×3 U18 World Cup, where she was named MVP, and the 2019 FIBA World Cup.
“Playing for Team USA is always an incredible honor,” Van Lith expressed. “Wearing the red, white, and blue and competing against the best in the world is an experience I’ll never forget.”
Perhaps her crowning achievement came at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where she helped the USA Basketball 3×3 Women’s National Team capture a bronze medal. Van Lith’s ability to excel in both the half-court 3×3 format and the traditional 5-on-5 game is a testament to her versatility and skill.
A Bright Future Ahead
As Van Lith embarks on the next phase of her basketball journey, one thing is certain: her impact on the sport is far from finished. With her unparalleled work ethic, competitive drive, and ever-expanding skill set, the sky is the limit for this young phenom.
Whether she’s leading her college team to new heights, representing her country on the international stage, or preparing for a future in professional basketball, Hailey Van Lith’s name is one that will undoubtedly remain in the conversation of the game’s brightest stars for years to come.
