To say that last season was tough on Hailey Van Lith would be an understatement. She struggled mightily in the tournament, and Caitlin Clark dropped 41 on her to end her season.
Now, after transferring from LSU to TCU, she’s finally back on her feet and playing at her best level. That’s why she was named Big 12 Player of the Year, Big 12 Tournament Player of the Year, and Big 12 Newcomer of the Year.
Van Lith was in her bag during the big win over No. 17 Baylor, the first Big 12 tournament win in program history. When asked about that, she stated that she was much more than just a scorer.
Hailey Van Lith is much more than just a scorer
“Listen, they were doubling me on every ball screen, they were face guarding me when I was off the ball, they didn’t want me to have the ball, that’s okay,” Van Lith said. “I made passes, and the time came to get shots off in the second half and I took them.”
Hailey Van Lith
Van Lith later talked about the importance of playing as a team. She knows firsthand that putting up big numbers doesn’t always translate into success when it matters the most.
Van Lith is thriving at TCU
“Anybody can go out and average 20 a game and play on a bad team and never get to the postseason,” Van Lith said after the win. “To say that your team kicks people’s butts, that’s the ultimate flex.”
Sports always give people a chance at redemption. Who knows? Her opportunity might even come against her former program if the Horned Frogs and Tigers have to cross paths in the NCAA tournament.
