- NCAA. Hailey Van Lith copies Brittany Mahomes and Olivia Dunne and teases pose for the cover of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit
- Indiana Fever. Caitlin Clark prepares for WNBA season while recalling 22-point explosion in two minutes against men in iconic scrimmage
As the confetti settles on the UConn Huskies' championship run in the NCAA women's basketball tournament, the focus now shifts to the WNBA Draft.
With only days remaining before teams make their selections, conversations are heating up around potential picks, especially when it comes to dynamic guards who can make an immediate impact.
Where will Hailey Van Lith land?
One name that continues to dominate those discussions is Hailey Van Lith.
The 5'9" guard capped off a remarkable college career with a standout season at TCU, where she earned Big 12 Player of the Year honors and led the Horned Frogs to their first-ever conference title and an Elite Eight appearance.
Known for her fearless mentality and competitive edge, Van Lith carved out a historic legacy by becoming the first player, male or female, to reach five NCAA regional finals with three different programs.
Over her college journey, which included stops at Louisville, LSU, and TCU, Van Lith racked up 2,599 points, and averaged 17.9 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 5.4 assists in her final season.
Now, with the draft looming, the question is: where does she fit in at the next level?
The Los Angeles Sparks are one potential landing spot.
Holding the ninth overall pick, they're in need of a lead guard, and Van Lith's scoring efficiency and court vision could be the backcourt boost they need alongside Kelsey Plum.
Another intriguing option is the Indiana Fever.
With Caitlin Clark and Aliyah Boston forming a young core, adding Van Lith's grit and versatility could deepen their rotation and give them a strong two-way presence at the guard position.
The Phoenix Mercury, looking ahead to life after Diana Taurasi, could also benefit from Van Lith's fearless play.
Her ability to create in clutch moments would complement Finals MVP Kahleah Copper as the Mercury retool for the future.
Meanwhile, the Minnesota Lynx, fresh off a narrow Finals loss, could see her as the missing spark in their guard rotation, while the Seattle Storm might look to bring Van Lith home to Washington to energize their roster and fan base.
No matter where she lands, Van Lith's blend of skill, leadership, and relentless drive makes her one of the most intriguing prospects in the 2025 WNBA Draft.
Her next chapter is just beginning, and it promises to be every bit as thrilling as the one she just finished.