Hailey Van Lith’s response to losing her WNBA roster spot says everything originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Hailey Van Lith‘s WNBA journey has already included more twists than most players experience in an entire career. After being waived by the Chicago Sky before the season, Van Lith got a second chance with the Connecticut Sun and quickly showed she belonged. In nine games, including three starts, she averaged 8.1 points and 2.2 assists while carving out a legitimate role in Connecticut’s rotation. Then came another surprise.
Advertisement
The Sun waived Van Lith this week to create a roster spot for Leila Lacan, the franchise’s 2024 first-round pick who was returning from overseas obligations. The move had less to do with Van Lith’s performance and more to do with roster realities. What’s notable is how Van Lith reportedly reacted.
According to ESPN’s Alexa Philippou and Kendra Andrews, Van Lith is grateful to the Sun for being transparent throughout the process and remains motivated moving forward.
Stay classy is the option
That’s a significant detail. Many players would understandably be frustrated after losing a roster spot despite productive play. Van Lith instead appears focused on the opportunity Connecticut gave her and the progress she made during her brief stint with the franchise.
Advertisement
The timing is unfortunate because the former LSU and TCU standout was arguably playing some of the best basketball of her young professional career. After struggling to find footing early in her WNBA journey, she looked increasingly comfortable running an offense and creating scoring opportunities.
That performance should not go unnoticed around the league. WNBA roster spots remain among the most competitive jobs in professional sports, and players often need multiple opportunities before finding a long-term home. Van Lith’s production with Connecticut gave teams fresh evidence that she can contribute at this level.
MORE: Kamilla Cardoso isn’t the Chicago Sky’s problem — and Tyler Marsh knows it
What’s next for HVL?
Now the question becomes what’s next. A player development contract remains a possibility, while guard-needy teams around the league could also take a look. Regardless of where she lands, Van Lith appears determined to use this setback as motivation rather than a reason to become discouraged.
Advertisement
The Sun may have moved on, but Van Lith’s response suggests she believes her WNBA story is far from over. Based on what she showed in Connecticut, there’s a strong chance another opportunity arrives sooner rather than later.
