After being waived by the Chicago Sky in the preseason, the Connecticut Sun wasted no time in taking on Hailey Van Lith. In just a few games, this 5-foot-9 guard has become a perfect example of how one’s skill set can fit better with some teams than others.
In 2025, Van Lith’s rookie season, the guard averaged 3.5 points, 1.1 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game. Despite her time on the court only increasing by an average of five and a half minutes per game with the Sun, the improvement is head-turning.
In just eight games played, Van Lith is averaging 8.3 points, 1.0 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game. That comes with an average of 18.1 minutes – impactful minutes, that is. The guard’s ability to make this kind of impact despite not being with the team for a long time proves she found her fit.
A Look Back on Van Lith’s Collegiate Career
Van Lith is certainly no stranger to moving around. Throughout her five years playing at the collegiate level, the guard played for three different schools. Three years at Louisville, along with one at LSU, and her final year at TCU, gave the athlete experience with adaptivity.
By the time she ended her collegiate career with TCU, her “best fit” wasn’t so much about the team’s record, but where she felt her greatest.
“We aren’t even sad about losing,” Van Lith said during her final postgame press conference with the Horned Frogs. “We’re sad that we aren’t going to see each other probably next week. My journey has been crazy, I’m super grateful for it, wouldn’t have had it any other way.”
Throughout her time in college, the star player was very open about her personal mental health struggles. Despite the obstacles, her time at TCU and finding faith are what allowed her to overcome those humps.
Hailey Van Lith Is Finding Her Group With Sun
After needing some time to find the best fit in college, the standout has already faced a similar situation in just her second season with the WNBA. After the Sun’s second game against the Las Vegas Aces on May 15, second-year guard Saniya Rivers gave her insight on the newcomer’s growth so far.
“Haley was in the starting lineup today, and she came in and showed why she should be a part of the starting lineup,” Rivers said. “I was super proud of her. She put us on her back, and she led us to a seven-point [deficit].”
That night, Van Lith recorded a season-high 17 points, while also logging a rebound and an assist. Thirteen of those points came in the fourth quarter alone, where the star was able to showcase her ability to give this team the boost they needed in desperate situations.
“She wasn’t scared to take these shots at big moments,” Connecticut Sun Head Coach Rachid Meziane said. “She’s fearless.”
After starting in zero games with the Chicago Sky, Van Lith has already found herself in the beginning lineup three times with the Sun. As the sun continues to set for Connecticut’s final season, the future continues to look brighter for the second-year standout.
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