In the 2025 WNBA Draft, the Chicago Sky selected Hailey Van Lith with the 11th overall pick, reuniting her with former LSU teammate Angel Reese. This pairing follows their previous collaboration during the 2023–24 college basketball season at LSU, where they aimed to secure back-to-back national championships but ultimately fell short
Van Lith began her collegiate career at Louisville, where she earned First-Team All-ACC honors twice and led the Cardinals to the Final Four in 2022. Seeking new challenges, she transferred to LSU for the 2023–24 season. However, her time with the Tigers was marked by adjustments, as she transitioned to a point guard role, leading to a decrease in her scoring average to 11.6 points per game. Despite these challenges, Van Lith appreciated the support from teammates like Reese, who helped her acclimate to the new environment.
After her stint at LSU, Van Lith transferred to TCU for her final collegiate season. There, she revitalized her performance, leading the Horned Frogs to their first Big 12 Regular Season and Tournament Championships and an NCAA Elite Eight appearance. She set TCU’s single-season records in points and assists and earned accolades such as Big 12 Player of the Year and All-American honors.
Angel Reese, meanwhile, was selected by the Chicago Sky with the 7th overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft. In her rookie season, she made an immediate impact, averaging 13.6 points and leading the league with 13.1 rebounds per game, earning All-Star and All-Rookie honors.
The reunion of Van Lith and Reese in Chicago brings together two talented players with a shared history and a renewed opportunity to achieve professional success. Both have expressed enthusiasm about playing together again, with Van Lith noting the growth they’ve experienced since their college days and Reese expressing confidence in their potential to contribute significantly to the Sky’s aspirations
As the WNBA season approaches, the Chicago Sky, bolstered by the additions of Van Lith and Reese, aim to leverage their chemistry and experience to make a strong playoff push. Their journey from college teammates to professional collaborators underscores the evolving dynamics of women’s basketball and the exciting prospects for the upcoming season
