Hailey Van Lith had already taken part in the Chicago Sky’s media day photoshoot and played in some preseason games, yet she was still waived.
The Sky parted ways with their 11th overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft. This means they have now lost both of their first-round picks from the last two years following the highly discussed separation from All-Star Angel Reese in April.
Tyler Marsh will remain the Sky’s head coach, but it appears he plans to implement a new system, as reports said Van Lith’s release was caused by a clash in playing style.
“In a separate move, Chicago waived Hailey Van Lith, with sources telling ESPN that the decision was based on the coaching staff’s ‘style-of-play preference,’" ESPN wrote.
The Sky signed point guard Natasha Cloud as a replacement for Van Lith. Cloud last played for the New York Liberty, where she averaged 10.1 points and 5.1 assists as a starter.
Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
Van Lith could benefit from a fresh start, as her WNBA career has yet to blossom despite a standout college career. She played 29 games in her rookie season and averaged 3.5 points per game.
That fresh start came in swiftly as the Connecticut Sun picked her up on a waiver claim.
The Sun made a cross-post on Instagram and Van Lith is just as excited about her fresh start.
"Oh we love the Sun over here," she wrote on her IG story.
Van Lith will join the Sun, which will eventually move to Texas after being bought out by the Houston Comets. Champion and 10-time All-Star Brittney Griner, one of the new faces in the Sun, welcomed Van Lith through Threads.
"HVL 💪🏾🔥. CT young and turnt for real 🤣 I love it 🔥," " Griner wrote.
The Sun will open their 2026 WNBA season through a visit at the Barclays Center to play the New York Liberty on Friday, 7:30 p.m. ET.
