Hailey Van Lith has been making headlines after her outstanding season at TCU and a first-round selection in the 2025 WNBA Draft. Van Lith is embracing a new chapter in Chicago while also laughing (and slightly cringing) at a viral March Madness moment featuring her boyfriend, Jalen Suggs , and her dad. In an exclusive chat with PEOPLE, Van Lith candidly reacted to the moment that went viral during March Madness.
Hailey Van Lith reacted to her boyfriend Jalen Suggs’ hit moment with her father
The former TCU guard, Hailey Van Lith, was drafted 11th overall by the Chicago Sky on Monday night, launching her WNBA career with the same franchise where her former LSU teammate Angel Reese is entering her second season.
During the 2025 NCAA Tournament, cameras caught a jubilant exchange between Suggs — NBA player and former Gonzaga standout — and Van Lith’s father as they celebrated from the stands. The clip quickly went viral, drawing smiles and laughs from fans online, but it also sparked a very human reaction from Van Lith.
Speaking to PEOPLE at the WNBA Draft, the 23-year-old shared her take: “No I love it, it’s totally their personalities and I’m so glad that the world gets to see their joy and passion.” Still, she couldn’t help but admit, with a laugh, that she was “shaking her head” when she first saw the footage. Sometimes, she gets “embarrassed daughter vibes,” she added, but ultimately, she’s going to “let him do him for sure.”
Van Lith’s warmth and humility were just as evident when she spoke to ESPN following her draft selection. The former Big 12 Player of the Year paid tribute to the people who helped her reach this point, particularly her parents. "A big thank you to my parents, who busted their butt to provide for our family. They built the foundation for my game," she said, recalling how her dad would rent out gyms at 4 a.m. during her childhood just so she could practice.
“God carried me through the lows of my life when I wasn’t able to get up and walk. My faith has meant everything,” she shared.
On the court, Van Lith leaves behind a remarkable collegiate legacy, having played at Louisville, LSU, and TCU — and setting the NCAA record for most Division I games played at 172. Her final season at TCU saw her average 17.9 points, 5.4 assists, and 4.6 rebounds per game while leading the program to its first-ever Sweet Sixteen.
Now, she begins her professional journey in Chicago, reuniting with Reese. “We ain’t do it right the first time. Let’s run it backkkkk” Reese reacted after the draft.
Also Read: “There’s more work to be done” — Bronny James makes candid admission about his NBA debut season
Hailey Van Lith reacted to her boyfriend Jalen Suggs’ hit moment with her father
The former TCU guard, Hailey Van Lith, was drafted 11th overall by the Chicago Sky on Monday night, launching her WNBA career with the same franchise where her former LSU teammate Angel Reese is entering her second season.
TCU's own, Hailey Van Lith! pic.twitter.com/bBOrafWNPS
— TCU Women’s Basketball (@tcuwbb) April 15, 2025
During the 2025 NCAA Tournament, cameras caught a jubilant exchange between Suggs — NBA player and former Gonzaga standout — and Van Lith’s father as they celebrated from the stands. The clip quickly went viral, drawing smiles and laughs from fans online, but it also sparked a very human reaction from Van Lith.
Hailey Van Lith’s dad and Jalen Suggs celebrating the HVL 3 😭 pic.twitter.com/DfBghQt4CU
— Tyler DeLuca (@TylerDeLuca) March 29, 2025
Speaking to PEOPLE at the WNBA Draft, the 23-year-old shared her take: “No I love it, it’s totally their personalities and I’m so glad that the world gets to see their joy and passion.” Still, she couldn’t help but admit, with a laugh, that she was “shaking her head” when she first saw the footage. Sometimes, she gets “embarrassed daughter vibes,” she added, but ultimately, she’s going to “let him do him for sure.”
Van Lith’s warmth and humility were just as evident when she spoke to ESPN following her draft selection. The former Big 12 Player of the Year paid tribute to the people who helped her reach this point, particularly her parents. "A big thank you to my parents, who busted their butt to provide for our family. They built the foundation for my game," she said, recalling how her dad would rent out gyms at 4 a.m. during her childhood just so she could practice.
“God carried me through the lows of my life when I wasn’t able to get up and walk. My faith has meant everything,” she shared.
On the court, Van Lith leaves behind a remarkable collegiate legacy, having played at Louisville, LSU, and TCU — and setting the NCAA record for most Division I games played at 172. Her final season at TCU saw her average 17.9 points, 5.4 assists, and 4.6 rebounds per game while leading the program to its first-ever Sweet Sixteen.
We ain’t do it right the first time. Let’s run it backkkkk🫣 https://t.co/8PXLsHkUyN
— Angel Reese (@Reese10Angel) April 15, 2025
Now, she begins her professional journey in Chicago, reuniting with Reese. “We ain’t do it right the first time. Let’s run it backkkkk” Reese reacted after the draft.
Also Read: “There’s more work to be done” — Bronny James makes candid admission about his NBA debut season
You may also like
Rory McIlroy's former agent reveals why fans prefer Masters winner to Tiger Woods
IIM Raipur celebrates 14th Annual convocation event
Real Madrid granted special request by UEFA on eve of huge Arsenal clash
UK clothes shop closes 6 high street stores and now only has one left
Two from Telangana murdered by a Pakistani co-worker in Dubai
