The Cashmere product put together a historic college career and now takes her talents to the WNBA.
NEW YORK — Just a few thousand people live in Chelan County’s Cashmere, but the entire city will be locked in for Monday night’s WNBA Draft to hear one of its own have her name called.
Hailey Van Lith wrapped up her historic collegiate career just a few weeks ago and almost certainly will be selected in the 2025 WNBA Draft.
The Cashmere High School product was a top recruit and began her college basketball journey at the University of Louisville. She led the Cardinals to an Elite Eight, which culminated with a memorable game at Seattle’s Climate Pledge Arena, where Louisville lost to eventual No. 1 draft pick Caitlin Clark and the University of Iowa.
Van Lith transferred to Louisiana State University (LSU), where she and the Tigers were eliminated by Clark and Iowa in the Elite Eight of the 2024 NCAA Tournament. Following that season, Van Lith elected to transfer to Texas Christian University (TCU).
Before she began her career at TCU, Van Lith traveled to Paris as part of the U.S. 3×3 Basketball team. She won a bronze medal, her second medal in international competition.
At TCU, Van Lith helped the school win its first conference title in 20 years and its first NCAA Tournament in 15 years. The Horned Frogs reached the Elite Eight but were eliminated by the University of Texas.
Where she will be selected in Monday night’s draft remains to be seen. The Associated Press’ latest mock draft projects Van Lith to be selected No. 10 overall by the Chicago Sky, where she would reunite with former LSU teammate Angel Reese. ESPN’s latest mock draft also has the Sky taking Van Lith at No. 11 overall.
Van Lith will be attending the draft in person out in New York City, but her Cashmere community certainly will be watching with bated breath to see where she will start the next chapter of her basketball odyssey.
