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NCAA

Hailey Van Lith's resurgence sparks TCU's best start in program history

Hailey Van Lith during the second half of an NCAA college basketball...
Hailey Van Lith during the second half of an NCAA college basketball against Idaho StateLAPRESSE
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Hailey Van Lith's senior season with TCU is emerging as one of the most compelling stories in college women's basketball.

After a challenging year at LSU, the former McDonald's All-American and two-time All-ACC selection has found new life with the Horned Frogs, helping them rise to their highest program ranking in history at No. 9 in the AP poll.

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Van Lith taking TCU to national spotlight

Van Lith, once a standout at Louisville, transferred to LSU last season, hoping to build on her success.

However, her time with the Tigers fell short of expectations.

Her scoring dropped from 19.7 points per game at Louisville to 11.6, and her shooting percentage dipped to 37.8%.

LSU's season ended in a disappointing Elite Eight loss to Iowa, leaving Van Lith's future uncertain.

Determined to turn things around, Van Lith transferred to TCU ahead of the 2024-25 season.

The Horned Frogs were eager for a fresh start after injuries derailed their previous season, leading to forfeited games.

Now, with Van Lith at the helm and key players like Sedona Prince healthy, TCU has stormed to an 8-0 start, including signature wins over No. 13 NC State and No. 3 Notre Dame.

Van Lith's impact has been undeniable.

She's averaging career highs in points (19.9), assists (7.1), and rebounds (5.5) per game, shooting 44.2% from the field.

Her performance in TCU's victory over Notre Dame was particularly impressive, fueling a 31-12 fourth-quarter surge that secured the program's first win over a top-three opponent since 2008.

In a season already filled with highlights, Van Lith recorded her first career double-double, a moment that left her visibly emotional.

Her resurgence is a testament to perseverance and has reignited excitement around TCU women's basketball.

As the Horned Frogs continue their rise, Van Lith's story serves as a reminder of how quickly fortunes can change.

From struggles at LSU to becoming a cornerstone of TCU's success, she's proven that comebacks can define a career, and a season.

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