Sun Claim Hailey Van Lith as Rookie Guard Gets Fresh Start in Connecticut

The Connecticut Sun added a notable young guard to their roster on Wednesday, claiming Hailey Van Lith off waivers shortly after she was released by the Chicago Sky earlier in the week. The move gives the 24-year-old former lottery pick a fresh opportunity as she continues to adjust to the professional level.

Van Lith entered the WNBA as the No. 11 overall selection in the 2025 draft after a highly decorated collegiate career at TCU. Expectations were high given her scoring pedigree and experience across multiple top programs, but her rookie season in Chicago was marked by inconsistency.

In 29 games with the Sky, Van Lith averaged 3.5 points, 1.1 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game while struggling to find efficiency from the perimeter. Her shooting was a particular challenge, as she finished the season shooting just 16.1% from three-point range.

Despite those struggles, her recent preseason performance suggested potential improvement, setting the stage for Connecticut’s decision to bring her into a new system.

1. Rookie Season Struggles And Signs Of Growth

Van Lith’s transition to the WNBA was uneven, as she worked to adapt to the pace and physicality of the professional game. While she was able to contribute in limited minutes, her offensive consistency proved difficult to establish. Her perimeter shooting issues were the most notable concern throughout the season, limiting her scoring efficiency and spacing impact. That aspect of her game played a significant role in her reduced offensive output during regular-season action. However, late-season and preseason flashes indicated potential for growth. In two preseason games prior to her waiver, she averaged 12.5 points and 4.5 assists while shooting an efficient 71.4% from the field. Those performances suggested that with the right system and role, Van Lith could still develop into a productive contributor at the professional level.

2. College Success Built High Expectations

Before entering the WNBA, Van Lith built one of the most accomplished collegiate résumés in recent years. She earned AP All-American honors and was named Big 12 Player of the Year during the 2024–25 season. That same year, she also collected First Team All-Big 12 recognition and was named Big 12 Tournament Most Outstanding Player, solidifying her status as one of the top guards in college basketball. Her production and leadership made her a highly visible prospect entering the draft. Across her college career at Louisville, LSU, and TCU, Van Lith averaged 15.2 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game. She also maintained solid shooting splits, including 42.2% from the field, 33.8% from three-point range, and 84.0% from the free-throw line. Her durability and workload were also notable, as she set NCAA records for games played and started (172) as well as total minutes played (5,692), underscoring her extensive experience at the highest collegiate level.

3. International Experience And New Opportunity In Connecticut

Beyond college and the WNBA, Van Lith also gained international experience representing Team USA in 3×3 basketball. She contributed to the team’s bronze medal finish at the Paris 2024 Olympics, adding another layer to her competitive résumé. That experience has been viewed as part of her development as a versatile guard capable of adapting to different styles of play. It also highlighted her ability to contribute in fast-paced, high-pressure environments. Now joining the Connecticut Sun, Van Lith will have a chance to reset her professional trajectory in a new environment. The Sun have established themselves as a competitive and structured organization, offering her a different system in which to develop. Connecticut opens its 2026 season at home on Friday against the Seattle Storm, though it remains to be seen how quickly Van Lith will be integrated into the rotation as she adjusts to her new team.