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After a decorated college career, Hailey Van Lith was selected with the No. 11 overall pick by the Chicago Sky in the WNBA Draft. The 5-foot-9 guard made stops at Louisville and LSU before using her fifth year of eligibility to finish up at TCU, where she averaged 17.9 points and 4.6 assists per game as a senior.
Given all the success she enjoyed in college, she rose to national prominence for her ability on the court. Her growing fan base became invested in her personal life, as well as her public relationship with Jalen Suggs, a point guard for the Orlando Magic in the NBA.
Orlando Magic guard Jalen Suggs catches a breather during a December 2024 matchup vs. the Boston Celtics.Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
Suggs was in attendance on Monday night when Van Lith heard her name called by WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert. Courtesy of the WNBA socials, fans got to see a behind-the-scenes look as Suggs sent Van Lith an emotional message after being drafted.
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“Congratulations, babe, I’m so happy for you, so proud of you,” Suggs said. “It’s been a pleasure seeing your journey, being a part of it and seeing how you have handled adversity and continue stepping with a smile on your face. … I can’t wait to see where this journey takes you and I’m with you all the way.”
This video meant a lot to Van Lith, who was touched by the message. She responded to Suggs with more emotional words.
“I love seeing my man at the end of a long day,” Van Lith said. “Can’t wait to get to celebrate with him and my family, but, thank you Jalen.”
While Suggs and the Magic are already in the thick of the NBA playoffs, the WNBA season is just around the corner. Van Lith and the Sky will have to wait just one month until their first contest, when they take on the Indiana Fever on May 17.
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