CHICAGO — Hailey Van Lith has found a supportive ally in Angel Reese. Although they only played together for one season at LSU, their bond has endured beyond their time in Baton Rouge. This connection may have played a part in their reunion with the Chicago Sky.
“Angel has always been a tremendous source of encouragement for me,” Van Lith shared on Monday at the Sky’s media day. “Whenever I face self-doubt or uncertainty, she’s the first to push me to snap out of it. If I’m not performing up to my potential, she keeps me accountable and reminds me of who I am and who I can be.”
Van Lith excelled during her first three years at Louisville, averaging over 15 points per game and leading the team to the Final Four as a sophomore. Upon transferring to LSU, her transition to a new position as point guard proved challenging, impacting her scoring, shooting efficiency, and rebounding numbers. Despite facing criticism from fans unfamiliar with her changed role, Van Lith’s dedication and team-oriented approach earned Reese’s admiration.
Sharing similar values and off-court perspectives, Van Lith and Reese developed a strong friendship that persisted even after they went separate ways post-college. While Reese thrived in the WNBA, Van Lith transferred to TCU for her final year. Reese continued to support and promote Van Lith’s achievements, showcasing her pride in Van Lith’s successes.
Their camaraderie extended beyond social media posts, with Reese actively endorsing Van Lith to the Chicago Sky’s management leading up to the WNBA Draft. Reese’s praise for Van Lith’s work ethic and determination resonated with the Sky’s general manager, resulting in Van Lith’s selection as the 11th pick. The Sky see Van Lith as a potential point guard for the team’s future, emphasizing her adaptability and skill set showcased during preseason games.
As Van Lith embarks on her WNBA journey with the Sky, she carries the unwavering support and friendship of Reese, whose belief in her talent and resilience shines through their connection both on and off the court.
“Hailey Van Lith, a newcomer to college teams, has experienced success in various environments,” shared Pagliocca. “She has demonstrated resilience in the face of challenges and remains productive. She prioritizes the right values and her boldness will serve her well as she adapts to our league.”
Van Lith will receive support in her transition, including guidance from Courtney Vandersloot, a seasoned WNBA champion known for her exceptional skills as a point guard. Vandersloot recently returned to the Sky team after a stint with the New York Liberty.
Van Lith expressed admiration for Vandersloot, highlighting her ability to manipulate defenses and her composure, which she believes will greatly contribute to her development as a point guard in the league.
Reese, who was selected as the seventh pick last year amidst doubts about her abilities in the professional realm, has embraced her placement in Chicago and values the opportunity to grow in that environment. She believes that Chicago is the ideal setting for her progress.
Both Reese and Van Lith are excited about the prospects of playing together, with Reese emphasizing the importance of finding the right fit in a team and expressing confidence in Van Lith’s development under Vandersloot’s mentorship.
For more sports insights, follow USA TODAY Sports columnist Nancy Armour on social media @nrarmour. This piece was originally featured on USA TODAY: “Hailey Van Lith knows: Get yourself a friend like Angel Reese.”
