“In Her Heart, She Knew” Hailey Van Lith Finds the Perfect Fit with Chicago Sky » Winsidr

When Hailey Van Lith’s name was called on WNBA Draft night, it wasn’t just the culmination of a standout college career — it was the realization of a dream she always hoped would come true.

“I had a few great conversations [with Chicago]going into the draft,” Van Lith said. “In my heart, I wanted to come to the Sky. I felt like they saw who I was as a player, and I felt valued. I couldn’t have been more happy when my name was called.”

The connection with Chicago wasn’t about flash or hype. It was about fit — both on and off the court. During her pre-draft talks with the Sky, the franchise expressed belief in her game, not just her skill set but the intangible qualities that have defined her career: toughness, grit, and a willingness to fight.

“Coming out of college, people always question what parts of your game will translate to the league,” Van Lith said. “But I felt like Chicago believed in not just what I do on the court, but in who I am as a competitor.”

That belief wasn’t universal. Some questioned whether Van Lith could make an immediate impact in the WNBA, especially as Chicago had already added several experienced guards to their backcourt rotation. Critics also pointed to her lone season at LSU in 2024, where she struggled to adjust after transitioning from her natural shooting guard position to the point guard role in the highly competitive SEC environment. Some even speculated that Chicago’s decision to draft Van Lith was driven more by her name recognition than her immediate fit — a move that, to some, felt like a popularity contest rather than a roster need.

Even Van Lith herself has been open about the areas she hopes to sharpen as she steps into the pros.

“My focus is becoming more efficient, learning how to control the pace of the game, and perfecting the art of making the right decisions at the right time,” she said. “I’m not where I want to be yet, but I’m determined to close that gap.”

Her time playing on Team USA’s 3×3 team at the Paris Olympics, competing alongside WNBA All-Stars Rhyne Howard and Dearica Hamby, gave her a taste of the league’s physicality and speed.

“That experience was huge for me,” she explained. “I learned how to help elite players be successful, how to play my role and make the right plays. I think that set me up perfectly for my rookie season.”

In Chicago, Van Lith will join a backcourt anchored by veterans Courtney Vandersloot and Ariel Atkins — players she’s already eager to learn from.

“Courtney’s court vision and the tempo she plays at — I cannot wait to watch film with her, pick her brain, and learn how she controls the game,” Van Lith said.

She’ll also reunite with former LSU teammate Angel Reese, and this time, the combination could be even more dangerous thanks to the WNBA’s pro-level spacing and pace. Reese herself echoed the excitement, tweeting: “We ain’t do it right the first time. Let’s run it back.” 

We ain’t do it right the first time. Let’s run it backkkkk🫣 https://t.co/8PXLsHkUyN

— Angel Reese (@Reese10Angel) April 15, 2025

“We’re both different players now,” Van Lith said. “With the spacing in the WNBA and the talent around us, I think we’ll be even more impactful together than we were in college.”

While the transition from college star to WNBA rookie is known to be one of the toughest leaps in basketball, Van Lith welcomes the challenge. As someone who’s had to adjust to new systems, new teammates, and new coaches throughout her college career, she’s bringing that same adaptability to the Sky.

“My mindset is always the same: how can I help this team win?” she said. “That’s what I’m here for.”

And with training camp looming, the best advice she’s gotten so far? Simple, but critical:

“Be in shape,” she laughed. “You can handle the bumps and bruises if you’re in shape, but if you’re gassed, you’ve got no shot.”

For Van Lith, the work is only beginning. If she leans into her physicality and plays to her strengths, she has every chance to thrive in Chicago. The fit, the belief, and the excitement to wear Sky blue are already locked in — both on the court and in her heart. And if there’s one thing about Chicago — once this city embraces you, it doesn’t let go. So Van Lith better get ready, because Chicago loves hard and rides even harder.