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The Chicago Sky needed a dramatic upgrade at the guard position this offseason after finding their future post tandem of Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso in last year’s WNBA Draft. Chennedy Carter was not re-signed by general manager Jeff Pagliocca, as he opted to bring new blood into the organization instead.
Franchise legend Courtney Vandersloot re-signed with the Sky after winning a championship with the New York Liberty last season, and Chicago traded for veteran Ariel Atkins as well. To tie the knot on a new wave of guards coming in, the organization drafted TCU guard Hailey Van Lith with the No. 11 overall pick in the draft.
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Chicago Sky guard Hailey Van Lith (10).Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images
Van Lith has put together an impressive preseason for the Sky, averaging 6.0 points, 4.3 assists and 1.7 rebounds per contest across three games. Chicago recently released several players, and the TCU product has seemingly made the roster.
She recently spoke to the local media in Chicago about how her experience has gone so far, and she made a bold statement about one of her veteran teammates.
“If I could pick any vet to play with in my first year, it would be (Courtney Vander)Sloot,” Van Lith said. “She’s the best example to be around everyday. She’s investing time into me outside of me just asking questions. … The fact that she’s impacted me so much already, it’s exciting.”
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Vandersloot is not only a historic figure for the Sky, but she is one of the most talented, respected and decorated guards in WNBA history. Van Lith has a unique opportunity to earn some playing time alongside her as a rookie, and eventually take the reins from Vandersloot as she nears the end of her career.
While it is unknown exactly how new head coach Tyler Marsh will balance out the minutes early in the season, the Sky will open the 2025 campaign in just a few days. They’ll travel to Indiana to take on the Fever in the first of five matchups between the two teams this year.
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