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Hailey Van Lith's clutch play sent TCU and her dad into over the top frenzy

Father-daughter basketball magic: How Van Lith's shot left her father speechless (almost)

TCU's Star Guard Delivered in the Clutch-And Her Dad's Reaction Was...
TCU's Star Guard Delivered in the Clutch-And Her Dad's Reaction Was Priceless(AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)LAPRESSE

TCU basketball just made history. On Sunday, the Horned Frogs secured their first-ever conference championship, capping off a season that feels like something out of a sports movie. With a 31-3 record and 10 straight wins, they're heading into the NCAA Tournamentlooking every bit like a No. 1 seed.

At the center of it all? Hailey Van Lith. The star guard put up 20 points in the championship game against Baylor, continuing a season where she's been the heart and soul of this squad.

Hailey Van clutch performance lifts TCU to historic title and sparks unforgettable celebration

After the game, Van Lith made it clear-she's not just about personal stats.

"Honestly, team achievements are such a flex to say that your team is good," she said. "Anybody can go out and average 20 a game and play on a bad team and never get to the postseason. To say that your team kicks people's butts, that's the ultimate flex."

A father's celebration that stole the show

Van Lith's late-game heroics sealed the win, but it was her dad who became an instant sensation. With under a minute to go, she drove through the Baylor defense for a clutch layup, putting TCU up by four. The crowd erupted-but no one went crazier than Corey Van Lith.

As cameras panned to the stands, Corey was spotted celebrating like a man who had just hit the jackpot. He danced up the aisle, high-fived fellow fans, and fully embraced the moment. It was the kind of raw, unfiltered joy that makes sports unforgettable.

A former college player himself, Corey has been instrumental in Hailey's journey. Last year, when discussing her career and future goals, he reflected on what these moments mean.

"It's just been a journey," he said (via The Athletic). "I think she's had an incredible career, and her career's not even close to being over. But this is definitely at the top, and no matter what she does, it will always be at the top."

With March Madness around the corner, TCU is riding high, and Hailey Van Lith has proven she's built for the big stage. And if history repeats itself, fans might want to keep an eye on Corey Van Lith in the stands-because when Hailey delivers, he's going to make sure the world knows it.

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