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Hailey Van Lith has always stood out on the college basketball court, and now she's ready to shine in the WNBA. But recently, she opened up about the battles she's faced off the court. In a candid interview, Van Lith revealed that during her college years, she struggled with mental health issues, including suicidal thoughts. Despite her success on the court, she said she felt trapped, heavily medicated, and overwhelmed by inner pain, itting, "I didn't even want to live."
Now, Van Lith is turning over a new leaf. She was selected 11th overall by the Chicago Sky in the 2025 WNBA Draft, where she reunited with her former LSU teammate Angel Reese. Their last season together at LSU didn't end the way they hoped, but both are looking forward to a fresh start in Chicago. For Hailey, opening up about her mental health was a huge part of moving forward but as she explains, getting to that point wasn't easy.
Van Lith's journey to the WNBA was marked by resilience. After transferring to TCU, she led the team to its first Big 12 Regular Season and Tournament Championships and an appearance in the NCAA Elite Eight. She became the first player to lead three different schools to the Elite Eight, finishing her college career with 2,616 points.
Off the court, Van Lith finds in her relationship with NBA player Jalen Suggs. The couple shared a heartfelt moment at the draft, celebrating her selection together.
As she embarks on her rookie season with the Chicago Sky, Van Lith carries with her the lessons from her past. Her story is one of perseverance, highlighting the importance of mental health and the strength it takes to overcome adversity. Fans eagerly await her debut, inspired by her journey from personal struggles to professional success.