We are keeping our fingers crossed in the hope that we can return to a “normal” version of college basketball this fall: fans in the stands, announcers without masks, etc. Nobody knows exactly what is going to happen but we will try to restore some order with season previews featuring the best players/coaches in the country. We continue our coverage with Louisville SO G Hailey Van Lith. HoopsHD’s Jon Teitel got to chat with Hailey about making the Elite 8 last March and her expectations for this season.
You were born/raised in Washington: what made you choose Louisville over Baylor? It was just a better fit for me and my playing style. I really connected with Coach Jeff Walz and felt that it was a place that gave me better potential for my career.
You won a gold medal at the 2019 FIBA World Cup and were named MVP at the 2019 FIBA 3×3 U18 World Cup: what did it mean to you to represent your country, and what did it mean to you to win a pair of gold medals? Playing for team USA is 1 of the pinnacles that everyone is reaching for so it was a great honor. Winning is something that I will never get tired of doing. Being MVP was special but the goal was to win a gold with my team: it was just a bonus.
In 2020 you were named a McDonald’s All-American: which of your fellow honorees has impressed you the most (Cameron Brink/Paige Bueckers/Caitlin Clark/other)? I got to play with all of them on team USA and I love all of them. My class was very deep and had a lot of talent: they are all high-level players.
You started all 30 games as a freshman and were named to the ACC All-Freshman Team: how were you able to come in and contribute right from the start? I really bought into doing whatever the team needed me to do to win. I was never a big rebounder in high school but the team needed that so I did it (5.2 RPG last year despite standing 5’7″). I had to assess myself and realize that winning is more important than any individual accomplishments.
You were also named to the ACC All-Academic Team: how do you balance your work on the court with your work in the classroom? It is just about priorities. Basketball is 1 of the highest but my parents taught me that school is just as important so I made sure to get my schoolwork done.
In the 2021 NCAA tourney you made it to the Elite 8 before losing to eventual champion Stanford: what did you learn from your postseason run that will help you this year? I think that we sold ourselves short and had a shot at the Final 4 if we had played our best basketball at the end. It was still a great experience. I am grateful to have made the Elite 8…but we are not at all satisfied with the outcome, which motivated us during the offseason.
Your father Corey played college baseball/basketball and your brother Tanner plays college baseball: who is the best athlete in the family? I think I will claim that title but I think they would have something to say about it!
Your NIL rights have been estimated to be worth almost $1 million: what kind of deals have you signed so far? I have not signed anything yet. My agents have brought me a lot of deals to consider so I have to see if they align with my values. I am not in any rush to sign a deal: it is more important to partner with a brand that cares about things I care about, such as women’s sports or increasing opportunities for younger girls.
Your boyfriend Jalen Suggs was drafted 5th overall by Orlando last July and was playing great in the NBA Summer League until he sprained his left thumb: how excited were you to see him get drafted, and how is his thumb doing at the moment? I was pretty excited for him and it was cool to be there. His thumb is fine and he is ready to go.
What are your goals for this season, and what are your expectations for this season? With this team it is national championship or bust. We fit each other’s games very nicely and have a lot of people who understand their roles, which will translate well on the court.