Hailey Van Lith Joins TCU Women’s Basketball After Brief Stint at LSU

Hailey Van Lith, a standout women’s basketball player, has made a significant move in her collegiate career by joining the Texas Christian University (TCU) Horned Frogs. After spending just one season with the Louisiana State University (LSU) Tigers, Van Lith has entered the transfer portal once again and is set to utilize her fifth year of eligibility at TCU.

Van Lith’s decision to leave LSU comes after a season that saw her performance metrics decline. At LSU, she averaged 11.6 points per game and shot 38.8% from the field, a drop from her 19.7 points per game and 41.1% field goal percentage during her time at the University of Louisville. This decline was partly due to her transition from a shooting guard to a point guard role.

Despite the challenges at LSU, Van Lith was praised by her coach, Kim Mulkey, who described her as “one of the hardest working players that I’ve ever coached.” Mulkey acknowledged Van Lith’s aspirations to be drafted into the WNBA but supported her decision to seek another year of collegiate play to regain her form.

Van Lith’s move to TCU is seen as a strategic choice, as she expressed enthusiasm for the system implemented by TCU coach Mark Campbell. “I think the system that TCU has is perfect for me,” she stated, indicating a return to her more natural position and a chance to thrive in a new environment.

The TCU Horned Frogs finished the 2023-24 season with a 21-12 overall record and a ninth-place finish in the Big 12 conference. The team has been making headlines, including holding mid-season open tryouts due to injuries. Van Lith’s addition is expected to bolster the team’s performance in the upcoming season.