WNBA standout Angel Reese continues to show her unwavering support for her former LSU teammate Hailey Van Lith, even as they pursue separate paths in their basketball careers.
Reese recently shared a warm message for Van Lith after the TCU star’s outstanding performance in a game against Kansas.
Van Lith’s Career Milestone
On Wednesday, Hailey Van Lith delivered a stellar performance, scoring 19 points, dishing out six assists, and grabbing four rebounds to lead TCU to an 80-73 victory over Kansas. The game was particularly special for Van Lith, as she surpassed 2,000 career points in college basketball and recorded her first double-digit assist game.
Celebrating her achievement, Van Lith shared a series of photos on Instagram, donning her TCU gear and posing near a fountain with a basketball. She captioned the post: “The journey is the dream 10,” accompanied by a white heart emoji.
Reese’s Message of Support
Angel Reese, now with the Chicago Sky, was quick to comment on Van Lith’s post. Reese wrote, “Miss ya 10,” showing her enduring bond with her former LSU teammate. Despite spending just one season together, the pair developed a close friendship during their time as Tigers.
Reese‘s message highlights the mutual respect and camaraderie that remains between the two athletes, even after Van Lith‘s decision to leave LSU to reignite her collegiate career elsewhere.
A Challenging Year at LSU
Van Lith joined LSU after transferring from Louisville, teaming up with Reese for the 2023-24 season. Although the Tigers entered the NCAA Tournament as a No. 3 seed with a strong 31-6 record, the season proved to be challenging for Van Lith.
Adjusting to a new playmaking role, she struggled to find her rhythm and faced heavy criticism throughout the season.
The pressure culminated in her being benched during the second round of the tournament and struggling in a high-profile loss to Iowa. In the offseason, Van Lith made the bold decision to transfer to TCU, a move that appears to have revitalized her game.
A Bright Future for Both Stars
Now thriving at TCU, Van Lith is averaging an impressive 17.9 points, 6.1 assists, and 4.6 rebounds per game. Her contributions have helped TCU achieve a remarkable 16-1 record this season, and her decision to embrace a fresh start has proven to be the right one.
While Reese has continued to shine in the professional ranks, her public support for Van Lith underscores the lasting bond they share.
Reese‘s success in the Unrivaled League and Van Lith’s resurgence at TCU demonstrate their shared determination to excel in their respective journeys.
As Van Lith prepares to lead TCU against Texas Tech on January 12, fans of both players will undoubtedly be watching, celebrating their individual achievements and the friendship that keeps them connected.