Senior guard Hailey Van Lith led the No. 6 TCU Horned Frogs to a 31-3 record and No. 2 seed in the women’s NCAA tournament, picking up the program’s first Big 12 regular season and tournament titles in the process.
It all comes after Van Lith — who spent three years in Louisville and one with LSU — transferred to Fort Worth, Texas, to star for the Horned Frogs. Learn why she made the move here.
Why Did Hailey Van Lith Transfer to TCU?
After averaging a career-low 11.6 points at LSU after a career-high 19.7 her junior year in Louisville, Van Lith knew it was time for change. In a constantly shifting NIL landscape, that change is easier than ever to make.
“It was all a really good fit for me, and I felt really comfortable when I came for my visit,” Van Lith told reporters about the move to TCU in July. “It was kind of a no-brainer.”
WHAT A YEAR FOR HAILEY VAN LITH
Transfers to TCU from LSU
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) March 9, 2025
Van Lith knew TCU head coach Mark Campbell from her days in Wenatchee, Washington. He is also from the Pacific Northwest state. But before she decided on TCU, she also eyed the WNBA, ultimately opting to head to Texas.
“I did think about it and that’s what I wanted to do. That’s always been my dream, is four years in college,” Van Lith told the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. “I didn’t want to take that fifth year. I think I was ready for that next level; the more I talked to people around the league and people who know me really well, there is no reason to rush.
“I wanted a year of college where I loved where I was at, and I loved who I was around, and I loved who I was when I was there.”
And while NIL was almost certainly a factor, Van Lith has never publicly commented on it, saying it did not keep her in college.
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“Money is something I’m blessed with; I’ve been raised that money will never satisfy you, and it will never sustain you,” Van Lith told the Star-Telegram. “I made these choices because I thought it was the best for my heart, and career, basketball wise.”
Now, she’ll be considered a first-round pick.
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