Hailey Van Lith in TCU has been a whole new beast. “Hailey, truly, one of her greatest gifts is she has no chill,” head coach Mark Campbell describes. Only then could one justify her rise from an average season at LSU last year. “She’s the ultimate competitor in everything that she does in her grind, in her preparation.” With that in place, the Houston Cougars stood no chance. It was a step closer towards history for the program, and the star guard hardly let any chance slip– the fans took note.  

On Thursday night, Hailey Van Lith didn’t need sequins or social media buzz to steal the spotlight. She let her game do the talking—loud enough to drown out any lingering whispers about her past. The TCU standout, recorded 26 points and 5 assists while shooting 4-of-7 from beyond the arc. 

Van Lith did not start hot—her first three clanked off the rim. But by the 7:01 mark, however, she had already drawn a foul and sunk both free throws. By the end of the quarter, she had nine points, two assists, and was already setting the pace. Another quarter down, the TCU #10 had 19 points and was helping the team extend more than one historic record. 

Squandering the Cougars in a 91-56 win, TCU recorded its 27th win of the season and 15th in the conference. This meant a perfect home-game streak (19-0) for the Horned Frogs, extending their program record for total wins, Big 12 victories, and home wins. The team is now poised to win its first Big 12 regular season title and coach Campbell knows much of it is a credit to Van Lith.

“The impact that she’s had on this group, our staff, and then just TCU women’s basketball, I am just forever grateful for Hailey and these nine months,” he had said after the guard had delivered another 26-point performance in the matchup against West Virginia just days ago. Her 17.4 points and 5.5 assists average has helped anchor the program’s best start in a decade. It is a sigh of relief for her 1.2 million followers on Instagram who are proving they are all here for her game and growth.

Hailey Van Lith is Hooping: Fans React to Her Dominant Season

 After a dominant run at Louisville, averaging 19.2 points, Hailey suffered a disappointing downfall at 11-point average in her one year under Kim Mulkey. What seemed like a space hard to pull up from, Van Lith was determined to not let it define her career. Foregoing WNBA draft, she’d opt for a transfer and serve her well it did.

Aware of the journey, a fan penned, “I’m very happy for her. She’s a star.”

Of the last five games, the guard has put up a double-digit score in each. Just two games prior, she dropped a season-high 28-point performance. If that says anything, Van Lith is here to prove her game.

“HVL been balling. 🔥🔥” one cheered. “No joke 🔥” another added.

After her 13th career 20+ point performance against West Virginia, Van Lith would add a second Big 12 weekly Player of the Year accolade. The consistency has her being reconsidered for the upcoming WNBA draft, which was a far possibility after her season at LSU. But fans see her now and though the mock drafts don’t place her as a top prospect, you know she’s gonna make some noise on the draft day.

“I hope WNBA scouts are watching cause she’s been consistent and should be climbing up on the draft board,” asserted another. 

HVL believes herself to be a pro-type player; adaptable to the professional league unlike a few whose likability is limited to college. She has a lot riding on with that statement and there’s nothing boasting her confidence like the comeback this season. Trailing only Sedona Prince in scoring while leading in assists and steals, Van Lith has built quite the name back for herself and fans couldn’t be more proud.

“Glad to see her having such a great season,” one expressed.

ESPN has yet to consider adding her name in the mock drafts, but a few sites already have her on the watch list. The star guard has just one more regular season game and then the conference battle to make her case.