“I hope it’s not her last game. But if it is, I’m proud to have been her coach for a year. She’s got another year if she wants to come back.” When Kim Mulkey said this about Hailey Van Lith in 2024, the majority could speculate only one thing— the then 22-year-old would be entering the WNBA draft. But it wasn’t to be! Instead, she shocked the basketball world by entering the transfer portal. Her destination? TCU. And looking back, it might just be one of the best decisions of her life.

Since high school, Van Lith had one dream–playing for Baylor. The reason? She wanted to play under Mulkey. But when Louisville came calling, that dream took a backseat. Still, as fate would have it, the two finally united. After leading the Cardinals to the Final Four in 2022, the 5-foot-7 guard made the move to LSU in April 2023. The partnership didn’t work out as planned. She just couldn’t fit in with the stacked roster the Tigers had.

But her move to TCU was a game-changer! She led the Horned Frogs to their first conference tournament title since 2005. Not just that—she also took them to their first-ever Big 12 title game. She was named tournament MVP and helped the Horned Frogs dance to their first-ever Sweet 16. Here’s HVL’s background and her religious beliefs that have shaped her journey.

Where is Hailey Van Lith from? What’s her nationality?

Hailey Van Lith’s parents, Corey and Jessica Van Lith, are American nationals residing in Washington. Her father also played collegiate baseball at the University of Puget Sound and is known to have owned a custom home-building business along with his wife. Meaning, Hailey is of American nationality.

Has Van Lith represented the American national team?

Hailey Van Lith has represented the United States on the international stage. In 2018, she competed in the FIBA Under-17 World Cup in Belarus. She announced herself to the international stage then! She averaged 5 points and 2 assists in just 13.6 minutes per game. Her efforts helped secure a gold medal for the United States. But Hailey wasn’t done.

In 2019, she led Team USA to another gold medal at the FIBA 3×3 Under-18 World Cup in Mongolia. Her stellar performances earned her the MVP award. It solidified her as one of the best young talents in women’s basketball.

Is Hailey Van Lith religious?

After leading TCU to their first-ever Sweet 16, Hailey Van Lith shared an emotional message in the postgame press conference. “I’m really standing on God’s shoulders right now, you guys,” Van Lith said through tears in the postgame press conference. “He’s delivered me from so much, man, and so much pain and suffering and confusion. I just — it’s all glory to God, truly. I would be nothing without Him.”

In 2023, Hailey made a deeply personal decision — she got baptized before joining the Tigers. She took to Instagram to share the life-changing moment with the world. “Best day of my life. My greatest success in life is to offer my life to serve Jesus.” This heartfelt post firmly affirms that Van Lith is a devout Christian.

Her belief system has clearly played a key role in her success. Much awaits the TCU star.