Hailey Van Lith has chosen to forgo the WNBA Draft and return to college basketball, deciding to use her fifth and final year of eligibility with the TCU Horned Frogs, marking her third team in three years.
The decision to leave Baton Rouge was primarily influenced by a challenging year at LSU, where she played in a new position that didn’t suit her strengths.
Kim Mulkey’s decision to use the 5-foot-7 guard as a traditional point guard resulted in a significant drop in her performance, going from averaging 19.7 points per game as a junior at Louisville to just 11.6 points per game as a senior at LSU.
This unsuccessful experiment was the primary catalyst for her transfer.
Beyond the on-court logistics, Van Lith’s transfer was also motivated by the environment and culture at LSU. These elements played a significant role in her decision, as she often found herself involved in on-court drama. For example, a hot mic once caught Angel Reese shouting at her to shoot during a loss to South Carolina, and Van Lith was visibly confused by Mulkey’s play call at the end of a loss to Mississippi State. Additionally, Mulkey publicly criticized Van Lith for caring too much about her public perception.
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Reflecting on the past year, Van Lith evaluated her options and concluded that a fresh start in a new system was necessary. She ultimately chose TCU, expressing gratitude for the community in Fort Worth. In her first interview at TCU, she made pointed comments about her previous experience, indicating a desire to spend a year in a place where she loves her surroundings and the people she is with.
Her remarks suggested dissatisfaction with her previous environment at LSU.
Van Lith’s comments implied that she did not feel supported or comfortable at LSU, both in terms of the environment and the people around her. Her desire to be in a positive and encouraging atmosphere was a key factor in her transfer to TCU.
As she joins the Horned Frogs, Van Lith aims to use what she learned at LSU to return to her form as a primary scorer. If all goes according to plan, TCU could be in a strong position for a deep run in the 2024/25 March Madness tournament. Individually, Van Lith’s performance this season could elevate her prospects, potentially making her a top-10 pick in next year’s WNBA Draft.
