Van Lith was the driving force behind TCU’s fourth-quarter comeback. She showcased her brilliance by scoring 19 of her 21 points in the second half, sealing the win for her team. The dramatic finish didn’t go unnoticed, as fans quickly took to social media to celebrate the triumph. Among those who joined in was a familiar supporter — a standout from the Chicago Sky. Unable to contain her excitement, Angel Reese posted on X, simply writing “HVL” as a nod to Van Lith’s leadership and outstanding display in the game.

Angel Reese and Hailey Van Lith share a remarkable friendship, with Reese always ready to shine the spotlight on her former teammate. When Van Lith was named to the USA 3×3 Olympics roster, Reese didn’t hesitate to show her support on social media. After a video of Van Lith shedding tears of joy made its way to Reese’s feed, the Chicago Sky guard penned a heartfelt message.

“So proud of this girl! The tears show it all. I pray God continues to bless you with all you deserve!!” Reese shared, a testament to the challenges Van Lith faced in earning the honor of representing the USA. This unwavering bond between the two runs deeper than many realize.

Their friendship blossomed during their time at LSU

Both Angel Reese and Hailey Van Lith were part of the Tigers’ 2023-24 roster, with Van Lith joining the team as a Louisville transfer following LSU’s national championship win. While Reese admitted they weren’t particularly close initially, she made it her priority to help Van Lith feel at home.

Reese revealed her motivations: “We [Angel Reese and Hailey Van Lith] weren’t super close, but I was probably one of the closer people with her on the team. I kind of felt bad, so I was like, let me get close to her and see who she is because she was the only white girl.”

Van Lith arrived at LSU after three successful seasons with the Louisville Cardinals, where she averaged 19.7 points per game.

However, her performance dipped to 11.6 points per game during her lone season with the Tigers, and LSU finished with a 31-6 record. This prompted Van Lith to transfer to the TCU Horned Frogs, but despite the change, Reese’s support never wavered. Her recent post on X is proof that their friendship continues to thrive, no matter where their basketball journeys take them.