Hailey Van Lith is excited to join the Chicago Sky. Of course, most players who are drafted express excitement about joining their new team, regardless of where they end up. Van Lith, who was selected 11th overall by the Sky in the 2025 WNBA Draft, revealed during her introductory press conference that she wanted to be selected by the team, via CHGO Sky.
"Deep in my heart, I wanted to come to the Sky," Van Lith said.
The Sky were mentioned as a potential destination for Van Lith before the draft. The fit made sense. Chicago needed a young guard for the future and Van Lith had previous experience playing with Angel Reese, as they were teammates at LSU during the 2023-24 season. Before the draft, the Sky made a trade with the Minnesota Lynx, acquiring the No. 11 overall pick.
Sure enough, the Sky ended up selecting Hailey Van Lith with the No. 11 overall selection. Everything worked out for Chicago and the guard.
Van Lith endured a down 2023-24 campaign. She rebounded in 2024-25 after transferring to TCU, though. Van Lith cemented her status as a potential first-round pick, something that ultimately came to fruition.
Prediction for Hailey Van Lith's time with the Sky
How will Van Lith play with the Sky? There is reason to believe that she will find success.
As mentioned, Van Lith already knows what it is like to play alongside Reese. That familiarity should prove to be of the utmost importance.
The Sky also brought veteran guard Courtney Vandersloot back this offseason. Learning from an experienced guard such as Vandersloot should go a long way toward helping her development in the WNBA.
Chicago's overall roster is trending in the right direction. They feature a number of talented players with potential. The Sky could realistically compete for a postseason spot sooner rather than later.
Van Lith may not immediately make a significant impact -- although it is possible -- but her long-term outlook in Chicago is promising. The fact that Hailey Van Lith wanted to join the Sky only makes the situation even more encouraging.
The Sky will begin their 2025 WNBA season against the Indiana Fever on May 17. Chicago's game against Indiana projects to be especially competitive as Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark renew their rivalry.
At the moment, the Sky are focused on preparing for the 2025 WNBA season.