Hailey Van Lith was selected No. 11 overall to the Chicago Sky in what was arguably one of the biggest stories of the first round of the 2025 WNBA Draft. Amid speculation on whether she would actually be drafted in the first round, fans across the nation were quick to react.
Hailey Van Lith’s Draft Slot Draws Heavy Fan Reaction
According to College Sports Network’s mock drafts and coming off a historic season for TCU Horned Frogs, Van Lith was mocked one pick sooner in the first round to the Los Angeles Sparks.
Following the pick, the Chicago Sky took to social media to announce that Van Lith would be joining the team next season.
The replies were a mixed bag, particularly focused on the team’s power forward, Angel Reese.
Worst nightmare. She has to play with Reese again.
— Justen Holstein (@justenholstein) April 15, 2025
“Worst nightmare. She has to play with Reese again,” one fan wrote under the announcement, referencing the fact that Van Lith and Reese were teammates two seasons ago at LSU.
I feel so bad for Hailey having to play with Angel.
— Sarah Riddler 🇺🇸 (@SarahRiddler) April 15, 2025
“I feel so bad for Hailey having to play with Angel,” another fan commented, prompting backlash in the replies.
While a vocal segment expressed concern over the pairing, the majority of fans seemed excited to see the former teammates reunite at the WNBA level.
“WNBA ain’t ready for the Angel x Hailey connection,’ one fan wrote.
Angel & HVL team up once again 🔥
— BET99 Sportsbook (@BET99Sportsbook) April 15, 2025
“Angel & HVL team up once again!”
Some fans also took note of Van Lith’s reaction to the pick, questioning whether she was happy about heading to Chicago and whether she felt she should have gone higher in the draft.
the moment HVL realized she was drafted pic.twitter.com/8BP5mAfuBL
— Hailey Van Lith Muse (@HVLMuse) April 15, 2025
“Is Van Lith NOT thrilled about going to Chicago?” one fan tweeted about that video, followed by another reply: “She doesn’t seem too happy.”
Angel Reese Previously Hyped Up Van Lith.
Ahead of their reunion on the Chicago Sky, Reese has long been vocal in her support of Van Lith, showing consistent praise for her former teammate.
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During this year’s NCAA Tournament, TCU earned its first Elite Eight berth with a 71–62 win over Notre Dame, in which Van Lith scored 26 points.
After the win, Reese tweeted “HVL” alongside a highlight of Van Lith’s performance.
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