The Chicago Sky selected Hailey Van Lith with the No. 11 overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft, reuniting Van Lith with her former LSU women’s basketball teammate, Angel Reese. During a recent interview with WGN News, Van Lith revealed one part of Reese’s game that she believes gets overlooked.
“Me and Angel picked up right where we left off,” Van Lith said. “We had, like, a team dinner last night and we were cracking jokes all dinner. She’s great energy. I think one thing about Angel that a lot of people don’t give her credit for is… she does have, like, a selfless leader mindset. Like, she has went out of her way to make sure that my mindset is right, that my energy is right. That I’m feeling comfortable.
“So yeah, it was great to get out there with Angel again… All the vets have been, like, super encouraging to me.”
Hailey Van Lith excited to reunite with Angel Reese
Van Lith endured a down season in her one year at LSU. She had previously found success at Louisville before transferring to LSU, but her time with the Tigers did not go according to plan. Van Lith then transferred to TCU for her final college basketball campaign, and that decision ended up working out.
The guard enjoyed a bounce back campaign, cementing herself as a legitimate first-round pick candidate in the draft. Sure enough, the Sky selected Van Lith No. 11 overall.
Van Lith believes that Chicago presents her with a tremendous opportunity to find success. The fit has potential without question, as she can learn from veteran guard Courtney Vandersloot while also feeling comfortable playing alongside Angel Reese.
“It’s a perfect environment for me to be successful so hopefully I can make an impact and be a part of a great program,” Van Lith added.
Angel Reese’s underrated leadership prowess
As Van Lith mentioned, Reese is a leader. Van Lith does not believe Reese always receives enough credit for her leadership prowess. It is clear that the rookie respects Reese. In just her second year in the league, Angel has earned respect around the WNBA.
It remains to be seen if Hailey Van Lith will start in her rookie season. Even if she does initially come off the bench, Van Lith could possibly earn a starting role as the ’25 campaign moves forward. Van Lith’s first year in the league will present her with a great opportunity to learn from established players such as Angel Reese and Courtney Vandersloot.
