Hailey Van Lith, also known as HVL, had an impressive college basketball career at Louisville, LSU, and TCU. She became the first player to lead three different schools to the Elite Eight, making five trips overall, including helping TCU reach it for the first time in 2025.
Despite TCU’s season ending sooner than they hoped, Van Lith’s professional career began during the 2025 WNBA Draft with her boyfriend Jalen Suggs’ heartwarming reaction.
Jalen Suggs’ Reaction to Hailey Van Lith Getting Drafted
After a tough year at LSU, where she was criticized, Van Lith transferred to TCU and bounced back strong. She averaged 17.9 points and 5.5 assists, breaking school records for points (663) and assists (202), and won Big 12 Player of the Year.
Even though TCU lost to Texas in the Elite Eight, her impact helped the team go 34-4 and win its first Big 12 titles, proving her doubters wrong and earning her the nickname “Miss March” for shining in big games.
Jalen Suggs was all smiles the moment HVL turned her dreams to reality ❤️ pic.twitter.com/EAmaglpyHV
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) April 15, 2025
Suggs proudly supported Van Lith throughout March Madness 2025, showing up courtside at nearly every game. He wore her No. 10 TCU jersey backward to highlight her name and celebrated key moments, like her clutch 3-pointer against Notre Dame. Suggs also shared a moment with her dad and hyped her up before the Elite Eight game against Texas.
Their close bond has fueled rumors of a relationship since 2021, though neither has confirmed it.
After a season-ending knee injury, Suggs used the time to cheer her on—and when Van Lith was selected No. 11 overall by the Chicago Sky in the WNBA Draft, he was all smiles, beaming with pride as her biggest fan.
Van Lith’s journey proves that setbacks don’t define a player—resilience does. From criticism to triumph, she stayed focused, rewrote her story at TCU and earned her spot in the WNBA.
KEEP READING: Hailey Van Lith Scouting Report
As she begins her next chapter with the Chicago Sky, her legacy as a fierce competitor and inspiring leader is already set in stone.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in football, men’s basketball, women’s basketball, and baseball!
