TCU guard Hailey Van Lith became a worldwide sensation through internet videos of her standing at the top of the Empire State Building before her appearance at the 2025 WNBA Draft.
The Viral Clip: Hailey Van Lith’s “Death Stare”
During the visit, a video surfaced showing Van Lith with a notably serious, almost “angry” expression while standing among her fellow draftees. In the video, Van Lith appeared notably serious during a photoshoot, prompting fans to comment on her stern expression.
A fan asked, “Why does Hailey look so mad?” while another commented, “Somebody check on Hailey lol” .
A video of her intense facial expression spread rapidly across social platforms, where fans and analysts commented on it. Internet users offered a mixture of compassionate notes and humorous theories about why she wasn’t looking chipper in the video.
When shown the viral video during an ESPN segment, Van Lith was caught off guard by her own expression. She laughed and admitted, “I don’t even remember doing that, so that’s a red flag. I don’t know. I have no idea”.
Hailey Van Lith addresses the video from Empire State Building “I don’t even remember doing that.. so that’s a red flag” 😂😭💀 pic.twitter.com/INh0C6ISQF
— Jeannie (@jeanniebrichett) April 14, 2025
Her straightforward and entertaining response sparked further buzz on social media, winning hearts among fans who admired her self-knowledge and capacity to find amusement in herself.
The snapshot created widespread discussion in sports commentary networks and social media outlets. Fans debated what caused her facial expression, considering the time of day, the frigid weather, or her possibly challenging pre-draft routine.
Others joked that Van Lith’s “death stare” was a mood many could relate to on a Monday morning.
Van Lith’s Draft Prospects and Legacy
Following her video fame through this incident, Van Lith remains dedicated to her professional basketball career. Her outstanding TCU senior year statistics generated 17.9 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game, making her a candidate for a late first-round or early second-round selection in the 2025 WNBA Draft.
Her college career holds a historic milestone because she became the first player to reach the Elite Eight on five separate occasions after representing Louisville, LSU, and TCU.
Also Read: With Paige Bueckers Gone, Who Will Be the Next Face of Women’s College Basketball?
Van Lith displayed her true nature through her humorous reaction to the viral Empire State Building video, demonstrating her competitive and authentic character. This humorous act during draft week made her a center of attention among upcoming WNBA prospects, creating a playful atmosphere around her selection process.
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