Hailey Van Lith Commits to Louisville

Jeff Walz adds one of the country’s best, as Van Lith commits to Louisville

There have been a plethora of student-athletes signing their national letters of intent to various schools across the country this week. While we knew where top-ranked players in the 2020 class like Paige Bueckers (UConn) and Angel Reese (Maryland) were going, we found ourselves waiting a bit longer on Hailey Van Lith.

Today, that wait came to a close, as the point guard from Wenatchee, Washington announced that she would be attending the University of Louisville. Van Lith is the No. 8 ranked player in the 2020 class, according to ESPN, and her commitment gives head coach Jeff Walz and the Cardinals their second top-20 commitment. Van Lith joins Olivia Cochran, who is ranked No. 18.

Van Lith chose Louisville over Baylor.

More from ACC

• Your Day in Women’s Basketball, November 9: Emma Meesseman tests positive for COVID-19
• Your Day in Women’s Basketball, November 2: Shakeup in the ACC with Bollin commit, UNC retool
• Your Day in Women’s Basketball, October 19: NCAA shakes up schedules, not scholarships
• Your Day in Women’s Basketball, October 5: Seattle Storm take 2-0 Finals lead
• Your Day in Women’s Basketball, September 10: Dream are (mathematically) stayin’ alive

To me, there is no one like Van Lith in the 2020 class. In fact, I think the No. 8 ranking on ESPN is too low. I have her third, right behind Bueckers and Reese. She is the reigning Gatorade Player of the Year in Washington and a four-time gold medalist with Team USA.

Van Lith, at 5’7, has the uncanny ability to score at all three levels, and is also left-handed. She is a very strong guard, with elusive handle, quick feet, and the strength to finish at the rim against taller defenders. She can step back and hit the 3-point shot consistently as well. While that part of her game can certainly improve, Van Lith is going to provide a spark for Walz’s team from day one.

Van Lith is a point guard, and while she is an on-court leader at her position, who can distribute and create opportunities for her teammates, she can flat-out score the basketball.

Louisville is currently 3-0 on the season including a 76-63 win over Central Michigan on Thursday night. The Cardinals take on UT Chattanooga next Thursday at home.

Love our 24/7 women’s basketball coverage? Join our Patreon now and support this work, while getting extra goodies and subscriber-only content for yourself.