Hailey Van Lith lasted just one season in Chicago.
The former college basketball star, who played for Louisville, LSU and TCU, was taken with the No. 11 overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft. However, after one season with the Sky, she was released.
The Sky signed veteran WNBA guard Natasha Cloud earlier this week. To make room for Cloud, the Sky waived Van Lith. It's rare for a top WNBA Draft pick to be released this early into her career. However, Van Lith is hoping to make the best of it.
Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
Van Lith didn't sulk or have any ill words for the team that released her. Instead, Van Lith just sent a classy thank-you message to the organization.
It shows great maturity.
“To the city that drafted me and the fans who showed up every night☝🏻 Chicago, you’ll always be where my WNBA story began.. Grateful to my teammates, the fans, and the entire organization for being the first chapter of my journey. The journey continues…” she wrote on Instagram.
She added: “THANK YOU CHICAGO! 💙💛”
Van Lith will look to take advantage of her next opportunity
Van Lith wasn't out of a job for long.
The WNBA guard quickly signed a contract with the Connecticut Sun. She'll look to take advantage of the opportunity in her second WNBA season.
The Sun picked her up this week.
"Welcome to Connecticut, Hailey," they shared.
"The Connecticut Sun have been awarded Hailey Van Lith on a waiver claim."
It'll be interesting to see if Van Lith is able to take advantage of her opportunity with the Chicago Sky as we head into the 2026 season.
