Hailey Van Lith is proving that her impact goes far beyond the basketball court. After an unforgettable season with TCU, where she helped propel the Horned Frogs women’s basketball program to its first-ever Elite Eight appearance, Van Lith has found herself back in the national spotlight—this time as part of Sports Illustrated’s prestigious Swimsuit Edition.
The photoshoot, a bold and empowering moment, symbolizes more than just her confidence—it represents a full-circle comeback for a player who’s endured both praise and criticism, triumph and heartbreak, and still managed to rise again.
Van Lith’s lone season with TCU was nothing short of spectacular. After transferring from LSU, she found a system and a head coach in Mark Campbell who allowed her to thrive. Her gritty performance against Notre Dame in the Sweet 16—dropping 26 points while grabbing nine rebounds and dishing out four assists—showed she was still one of the fiercest competitors in the country. Even while guarded by elite defenders like Hannah Hidalgo and Olivia Miles, Van Lith’s intensity and leadership never wavered.
This marked the third different program she’s led to the Elite Eight, following impressive runs with Louisville and LSU. But her stop in Fort Worth may have been the most redemptive of all. Her time at LSU was rocky—both on and off the floor. After a tough fit with head coach Kim Mulkey and a disappointing end to the season at the hands of Caitlin Clark and Iowa, she faced an avalanche of criticism on social media. The negativity not only affected her game but deeply impacted her mental health and confidence.
At TCU, she found peace—and her swagger.
Van Lith didn’t just return to elite form; she became the face of the program. Her Big 12 Player of the Year campaign reaffirmed her star power and reminded everyone why she was one of the most sought-after transfers in the country. It was clear that with the right environment, she could still be a force on the court—and a leader off it.
Her inclusion in the SI Swimsuit Edition only reinforces that narrative. It’s not about glamour for Van Lith—it’s about reclaiming her identity and showing young women that confidence, faith, and perseverance can coexist with competitive greatness. She’s spoken openly about her struggles with mental health and the toll that criticism has taken. Yet here she is, turning adversity into inspiration.
With the 2025 WNBA Draft looming, Van Lith is projected to be a late first-round pick. She may not be the top selection, but any team that picks her is getting a player with elite experience, unrelenting fire, and a chip on her shoulder the size of Texas. Just as TCU embraced her for who she is, the right WNBA team could unlock her full potential.
Whether it’s on a national stage in March Madness or in the pages of a magazine, Hailey Van Lith continues to be a powerful presence—and she’s just getting started.
