Angel Reese and Hailey Van Lith, the former LSU Tigers player, were given an emotional tribute as they kicked off their WNBA journey after a stunning college career. The two returned to Baton Rouge on Friday night in the Chicago Key’s opener against the Brazil national team in their first WNBA season. As they made their WNBA pre-season debut, the game marked a homecoming for the two former college teammates, but this time as professional athletes.
Watch Angel Reese and Hailey Van Lith Get Emotional LSU Tribute
Reese and Van Lith reunited as pros at the Chicago Sky after the guard was selected by the team in the first round of the 2025 WNBA draft. Ahead of their WNBA journey, the two were given an emotional farewell and recognised in Baton Rouge. On their LSU homecoming, they were welcomed with flowers and shared a warm embrace from their now-former coach, Kim Mulkey.
Angel Reese and Hailey Van Lith getting their flowers in their LSU homecoming 💐
📺 CHI-Brazil on ION. Stream FREE on the WNBA App with League Pass Preview pic.twitter.com/iolLo5rLfe
— WNBA (@WNBA) May 3, 2025
As per a report in The New York Times, Reese “was happy” as she saw some familiar faces, where she “was able to build a legacy.” She continued, “Just being able to love and be loved and supported from away from home.” Meanwhile, the Chicago Sky beat the Brazil National Team with a score of 89-62 in Baton Rouge. Reese was the star of the game as she registered a double-double, recording 15 points and 10 rebounds. Further, the team will be back in action as they host the Minnesota Lynx on Tuesday.
Reese bids goodbye to her college career as one of the greatest players in the history of LSU women’s basketball. The 22-year-old bagged the All-SEC and All-America in both of her seasons in Baton Rouge. In addition to this, the forward also helped her former team to their first national championship in 2023. She was also named the most outstanding player of the tournament.
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On the other hand, her fellow LSU-turned-Sky teammate Van Lith assisted the Tigers to the 2023-24 Elite Eight. Following her successful 2024-25 senior season with the TCU Horned Frogs, the player saw her draft stock rise. Van Lith, who recorded 17.9 points and 5.4 assists on average as a senior, was selected as the No. 11 pick by the Sky in the 2025 WNBA Draft.
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