Hailey Van Lith: A Basketball Phenomenon – NCAAW Legacy, Olympic Glory, and Record-Breaking Career

Explore Hailey Van Lith's illustrious basketball journey: NCAAW stardom, Olympic triumphs, and her historic impact across multiple elite programs.

Rising Star to NCAAW Icon

Hailey Van Lith's tenacity and scoring prowess have cemented her as one of the most dynamic players in women's college basketball history. Starting at Louisville, she led the Cardinals to back-to-back Elite Eight appearances (2022, 2023) and a Final Four (2022). Her junior year stats (19.7 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 3.2 APG) placed her among elite company, alongside Caitlin Clark.

Historic NCAAW Achievements

  • First player (men’s or women’s) to reach the Elite Eight with three programs (Louisville, LSU, TCU).
  • Big 12 Player of the Year (2025) at TCU, averaging 18.9 PPG and 4.1 APG.
  • 1,900+ career points, 500+ rebounds, 350+ assists – the only active D-I player with this stat line.
  • 4x All-ACC selection, including two First-Team honors.

High School Dominance

Van Lith shattered records at Cashmere High (WA):

  • 2,000+ career points, including a 52-point single-game explosion.
  • No. 7 overall recruit (ESPN HoopGurlz 2020) and McDonald’s All-American.
  • Gatorade Washington POY (2020) with a career average of 33.8 PPG.

International Excellence

  • Bronze medalist, USA 3x3 Basketball (2024 Paris Olympics).
  • 5x FIBA Gold Medalist:
    • 2023 3x3 World Cup champion.
    • MVP at 2019 FIBA U18 3x3 World Cup.
    • Gold at 2018 Youth Olympics and U17 World Cup.

Future Legacy

Now at TCU, Van Lith aims to cap her career with a national title. Her versatility—combining elite scoring, playmaking, and defense—makes her a WNBA lottery pick prospect.

Follow ESPN’s women’s basketball hub for more updates.

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