Hailey Van Lith, guard for the LSU Lady Tigers, has entered the transfer portal after her team’s loss to Iowa in the Elite Eight. Although this was likely her final game with LSU, the 22-year-old still has an extra year of eligibility due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Van Lith previously played for Louisville women’s basketball for three years before joining LSU, where she was tasked with guarding Iowa’s Caitlin Clark, who scored 41 points in Monday’s game. Despite facing challenges and a decrease in scoring, Van Lith’s contribution to LSU this season was noted by coach Kim Mulkey, who praised her unselfish play.
Van Lith’s decision to transfer to LSU last offseason was made after considering offers from Stanford and South Carolina. She joined the Tigers, who were the reigning champions at the time, alongside DePaul transfer Aneesah Morrow. The team had high hopes for the 2023 season, which they called the “free smoke tour,” but their journey was halted with the loss to Iowa. Van Lith, who transitioned to playing point guard at LSU, averaged 11.6 points per game, a decline from her time at Louisville where she averaged 15.4 points per game. She reflected on her future options after the loss, mentioning her readiness for the WNBA Draft and her existing endorsements.
Despite speculation that Van Lith would declare for the WNBA Draft, her name was not included in the list of formal applicants released by the league. Instead, she decided to explore other opportunities, leaving the door open for her to potentially return to college or pursue alternative avenues in her basketball career. Van Lith’s decision not to enter the draft sets her apart from players like Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, Kamilla Cardoso, and Cameron Brink, who have all filed for inclusion. Her experience at both Louisville and LSU, along with her professional aspirations, will likely guide her next steps in the sport. Throughout her college career, Van Lith has demonstrated resilience and adaptability, qualities that may serve her well in whatever path she chooses to pursue next.
