When it comes to showing up under pressure, no one is doing it like Hailey Van Lith right now. After transferring to TCU, many wondered what the fifth-year senior had left in the tank. The answer? A whole lot.
On March 29, 2025, Van Lith dropped 26 points, grabbed nine rebounds, and dished out four assists to lead the Horned Frogs past Notre Dame and into the program’s first-ever Elite Eight. But this wasn’t just a great game. It was a statement—one written in grit, fire, and redemption.
She’s now the first player in NCAA tournament history—men’s or women’s—to reach the Elite Eight with three different schools. That stat alone tells you everything you need to know about her consistency, leadership, and commitment to winning.
But let’s rewind.
From Cashmere to Kobe’s Court
Hailey Van Lith’s journey started in Cashmere, Washington, where she became a high school legend, averaging over 30 points a game and finishing as the state’s all-time leading scorer. Before her senior year, she built a mentorship with Kobe Bryant, who admired her killer instinct and work ethic. She trained at his Mamba Sports Academy and became a mentor to his daughter, Gianna.
She committed to Louisville, where she immediately made an impact, leading the Cardinals to a Final Four and earning All-ACC honors. Then came LSU, where things didn’t go as planned. She faced a dip in performance, mental health struggles, and a ton of online noise.
But instead of backing down, Van Lith bet on herself one more time—transferring to TCU. And it’s safe to say that gamble has paid off.
A TCU Turnaround
This season, she led the Horned Frogs to their first Big 12 regular season and conference tournament titles, was named Big 12 Player of the Year, and set TCU’s single-season points record. Her play in the Sweet 16 cemented her as one of the most clutch players in March Madness history.
And it’s not just the numbers. It’s her energy. Her poise. The way she gets it done even with blood running down her leg. The way she shoots with swagger and defends like the game depends on it.
More Than a Moment
As someone who went to a Division I school, I know the pressure that comes with being a student-athlete. You’re not just playing for yourself—you’re representing your school, your family, your city. Hailey embodies that pressure and turns it into fuel.
She’s not just Miss March. She’s the face of a new era in women’s college basketball—where mental toughness, loyalty to the game, and personal reinvention can redefine a legacy.
And this chapter? It’s only the beginning.
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