Dawn Staley is impressed with Hailey Van Lith's resurgence: "She's back to her old self"

Hailey Van Lith is back, and her rivals know it. After a lackluster 2023-2024 season, the star guard rose from the ashes, causing concern and iration among her rivals, starting with head coach Dawn Staley.

The transfer from Louisville to the LSU Tigers did not turn out the way Van Lith would have wanted. Not only did she not make the NCAA Tournament, but her stats were the lowest of her college career. At the end of the 2023-2024 season, the guard hit the transfer portal again to enroll with the TCU Horned Frogs.

The change of scenery was what Van Lith needed. Her stats have resurged with averages of 19.4 points, 5.4 rebounds, 6.6 assists, and 1.8 steals, and the team is 9-0. Van Lith's resurgence has not gone unnoticed, earning her praise from none other than the legendary South Carolina Gamecocks coach.

Staley is in awe of Van Lith

In a recent chat with Fox's Matt Dowell, Staley noted that Van Lith is back to her old self. "She's more like she was at Louisville. She's in that mode," the coach said.

Staley highlighted the foundations the player gained in her three years at Louisville, saying, "You gotta go back and look at the Louisville scout and see the types of things that we did to have an impact on her."

With South Carolina set to host Texas Christian University (TCU), Staley knows all too well that she'll have to deal with a Van Lith who is in top form, looking to lead the Horned Frogs back to the NCAA Tournament after a 14-year absence.

What's next for Van Lith

The clash between TCU (9) and South Carolina (3) will show what Van Lith and the Horned Frogs are made of. After that, their schedule won't be easy, but Sunday night's game will be their litmus test.

If Van Lith wants to end TCU's national tournament drought and, in the process, impress scouts ahead of the 2025 WNBA Draft, a win over the Gamecocks would be an excellent start.