Hailey Van Lith is on her way to the Chicago Sky, and a former teammate is excited to see her return.
On Monday, the Chicago Sky took Hailey Van Lith with the 11th overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft, reuniting her with former LSU teammate Angel Reese. The two previously played together in the 2023-24 NCAA season, where they helped lead the Tigers to a competitive campaign marked by national attention and high expectations. Their camaraderie on the court was unmistakable, and fans will get to see it again—this time on a professional level.
Angel Reese swiftly turned to social media to express her delight at the selection, emphasizing how much the reunion means to her. Reese, renowned for her leadership and enthusiasm, has long lauded Van Lith’s work ethic and competitive attitude. Their camaraderie at LSU was more than simply basketball; it was also based on mutual respect and friendship, making their WNBA reunion much more critical.
The Chicago Sky likewise focused on the emotional aspects of the reunion, emphasizing the bond in their official draft announcement. By adding Van Lith to Reese, the team is demonstrating its commitment to developing a cohesive, high-energy squad with proven chemistry. As the Sky seeks to forge a new identity with young players, the Reese-Van Lith reunion might be one of the league’s most interesting storylines this season.
The Tigers advanced to the Elite Eight that season before losing to Caitlin Clark and the Iowa Hawkeyes. Van Lith then transferred to the TCU Horned Frogs, while Reese was drafted seventh overall by Chicago in the WNBA last year.
Angel Reese couldn’t contain her enthusiasm after the Chicago Sky selected Hailey Van Lith in the recent WNBA Draft. The two studs had previously played together at LSU, where they developed good camaraderie on and off the court. Their professional reunion is exciting for them and the fans who have followed them from college to the major leagues.
Reese took to social media to express her excitement, hinting at their enormous potential as partners once more. The energy and connection they demonstrated at LSU made them a dynamic team, and Reese’s reaction indicates that she is ready to bring that same intensity to the WNBA stage. Her words expressed excitement and confidence in what they could do together in Chicago.
The Chicago Sky also noted the significance of this reunion in its official draft post, praising the possibility of resurrecting the Reese-Van Lith partnership. The team’s announcement provided an emotional depth to the draft news, acknowledging how their friendship may translate into genuine on-court success. With both players now wearing Sky jerseys, fans have every cause to be enthusiastic about what lies ahead.
Van Lith averaged 17.9 points per game for the Horned Frogs last season, but they lost again in the Elite Eight, this time to the Texas Longhorns.
Angel Reese had an incredible first season, laying the groundwork for a stellar career in the WNBA. She soon rose to prominence in the league, averaging 13.6 points and 13.1 rebounds per game. Reese demonstrated her versatility and dominance on both ends of the court, significantly contributing to her team’s success. Her ability to consistently record double-doubles and substantially contribute in practically every game she played left no doubt about her abilities.
Her outstanding performance during the season earned Reese a well-deserved second-place finish in the WNBA Rookie of the Year voting, trailing only Caitlin Clark, who had an equally impressive season. While she did not win the coveted title, Reese’s development and presence on the court were evident. The award she got recognizes her remarkable individual achievements and validates her position as one of the league’s rising stars. Reese’s future in the WNBA appears to be very bright as she continues to grow, and her second-place finish in the Rookie of the Year contest is only the start of what could be a legendary career.
Reese and Van Lith will return to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, on May 2 when the Sky play the Brazilian national team in a preseason game at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center.
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