Hours before Hailey Van Lith and TCU tipped off against Texas for the Elite Eight, she received a text message that would set the tone for her performance. “The sun is going to rise tomorrow no matter if you win or lose,” it read. “So go out there and have fun.” The message, sent by her dad, was a gentle reminder for Van Lith to find peace in the process. And she did just that.

Over the course of her remarkable career, Van Lith played for three different schools, scored an impressive 2,599 points, and became the first college basketball player—male or female—to reach the Elite Eight five times, achieving that feat with three different programs. She also became the first player to take three programs to an NCAA regional final. But Hailey’s career is far from just these milestones—there’s so much more to her journey.

So, if you’re curious to know how she cemented her place in college basketball history, let’s dive into the top five moments of her career!

Her career-first double-double (Assists).

It all came up during TCU’s  76-73 victory over No. 13 NC State on November 17, 2024. This game was significant not only for TCU’s success but also for Van Lith. It was the Horned Frogs standout who marked a personal milestone with 18 points and a career-high 10 assists, her first-ever double-double with assists.

After the game, the emotion was evident as Van Lith reflected on her performance. In the locker room, she became visibly moved by her achievement, and head coach Mark Campbell was right there with her. With a proud embrace, he told her, “The playmaker. She’s been unleashed. Good job. You’re just getting started, kiddo.”

It was a tender moment that showcased just how much her growth as a playmaker meant to both her and the team. And honestly, she deserved it. Alongside her, Sedona Prince delivered an outstanding 31 points and 16 rebounds, making the victory even more special.

Career high 34 points at Louisville

On February 3, 2022, Hailey Van Lith delivered one of the most impressive performances, leading No. 4 Louisville to a commanding 93-71 win over Clemson. The sophomore guard from Wenatchee put up a career-high 34 points, showcasing her scoring ability in the most efficient way possible.

She was nearly flawless, shooting 13-of-16 from the field and a perfect 6-of-6 from three-point range. And that too when the matchup was quite intense. With Clemson battling back from a 12-point deficit to tie the game at 44 early in the third quarter, Van Lith didn’t have the chance. But she somehow took control, scoring 16 of Louisville’s next 26 points, including a crucial three-point play and several key three-pointers. By the end of the third, Van Lith had helped establish a commanding 70-54 lead for the Cardinals.

This performance not only broke her previous career-best of 24 points but also matched her personal best for made three-pointers in a single game. Louisville head coach Jeff Walz couldn’t help but marvel at her efficiency, praising her for being “about as efficient as you can be.”

Sweet 16 performance against Notre Dame

Another time when Van Lith showed her clutch gene was when TCU needed her the most, in a thrilling Sweet 16 showdown. With the game tied at 52 early in the fourth quarter, Van Lith took control, scoring 12 of her 26 points in the final frame to lead the second-seeded Horned Frogs to a 71-62 victory over third-seeded Notre Dame.

Guess What?? Van Lith’s stellar performance helped TCU punch its ticket to the Elite Eight for the first time in school history. That grit? It’s why TCU coach Mark Campbell called her “Miss March.”

As the game hit crunch time, every time Notre Dame mounted a run, Van Lith and TCU had an answer. Van Lith’s ability to rise to the occasion, even in the most high-pressure moments, was on full display. Thus, leading her to the regional final for the fifth time in her career.

On the other hand, Notre Dame’s loss stung as they were aiming to reach the Elite Eight for the first time since 2019. But it was Van Lith and TCU who were celebrating history.

Even in her sophomore year, Van Lith was nothing short of spectacular. She even led Louisville to the 2022 NCAA Final Four. How?? During the tournament, she became a force to be reckoned with by delivering four straight 20-point games.

One of her most memorable performances came in the Elite Eight, where she dropped 22 points (9-15 FG) against Michigan, propelling Louisville one step closer to the national title. And guess what?? Her clutch performances throughout the tournament didn’t go unnoticed—she was named the Wichita Regional Most Outstanding Player, solidifying her reputation as a go-to star on the biggest stage.

Historic last season in College Basketball

With Hailey at the helm, TCU roared through the 2024–25 season like a program on a mission. They didn’t just win. They dominated.

And it all finished with a sparkling 34-4 record, going 19-0 at home. By doing this, TCU broke the school’s single-season win record and notched 16 victories in Big 12 play. And at the heart of it all? No. 10 in purple and white. With the stakes at their highest, Hailey Van Lith kept delivering the best performances of her college career.

Following the historic Elite Eight run, head coach Mark Campbell didn’t hesitate to put Van Lith’s impact in perspective. “I don’t know the criteria in regards to getting your jersey hung at TCU,” he said, “but I have a hard time believing that anybody in any sport in one year can have a greater impact than what Hailey Van Lith has had at TCU.”

Over the course of the season, Van Lith averaged 17.9 points, 5.5 assists, and 4.5 rebounds per game, something that no other player had, and hence, she leaves a legacy in just one season.

As Van Lith prepares for the next phase, a pro career in the WNBA, she leaves behind a TCU program that looks nothing like the one she inherited.