Hailey Van Lith’s Journey Through the Transfer Portal
Hailey Van Lith is no stranger to the transfer portal and the significant impact it can have on a women’s college basketball roster. The left-handed guard ventured into the transfer world for the first time in the summer of 2023, switching from Louisville to LSU. Her move paid off as she helped the Tigers reach the Elite Eight, though they ultimately fell to Caitlin Clark and Iowa. However, instead of settling into another powerhouse program, Van Lith made a bold move, transferring to Texas Christian University (TCU) to play for the TCU Horned Frogs. This decision has been a game-changer for both Van Lith and the school. TCU’s success this season, highlighted by their Big 12 Tournament semifinal victory over West Virginia, has been a testament to the power of strategic transfers and the vision of new head coach Mark Campbell.
The Transfer Trend at TCU
The transfer trend at TCU began before the 2023-24 season when 6-foot-7 Sedona Prince transferred from Oregon to play for the new head coach, Mark Campbell. Campbell, who previously served as an assistant coach at Oregon, brought with him a wealth of experience and a clear vision for the team. Before the winter season, Campbell added six more transfers, with Hailey Van Lith leading the pack. These transfers have been nothing short of program-changing. "We love this game so much, and at this time of the year, if you lose, you might not get to step on the court again," Van Lith said after their semifinal win. "Just don’t take the opportunity for granted, and just go out and compete."
Why Hailey Van Lith Chose TCU
Van Lith’s decision to transfer to TCU was a calculated move driven by a desire to find a place where she could thrive both personally and professionally. At LSU, Van Lith struggled with inefficient shooting, averaging a career-low 11.6 points per game. This performance was a significant drop from her 19.7 points per game as a junior at Louisville. At LSU, Van Lith was expected to play a more distributing role, but joining TCU allowed her to return to her scoring roots. "It was all a really good fit for me, and I felt really comfortable when I came for my visit. It was kind of a no-brainer," Van Lith told the Fort Worth Star Telegram.
Van Lith’s connection with Coach Campbell dates back to her high school days in Washington state, where Campbell was an assistant coach at Oregon, known for developing star players like Sabrina Ionescu. "I wanted a year of college where I loved where I was at, and I loved who I was around, and I loved who I was when I was there," Van Lith shared. She also emphasized that financial incentives did not factor into her decision. "Money is something I’m blessed with. I’ve been raised that money will never satisfy you, and it will never sustain you. I made these choices because I thought it was the best for my heart, and career, basketball-wise."
Hailey Van Lith’s Impact at TCU
Since joining TCU, Van Lith has been a revelation, averaging 17.8 points per game and setting a career-high with 5.3 assists per contest. Her return to form as a scoring threat has been crucial in TCU’s success this season. The team’s 30-3 record, the best in program history, is a direct result of Van Lith’s leadership and the collective efforts of the transfer-heavy roster. "We have a great group of players who are all committed to each other and to our goals," Van Lith said. "Everyone is pushing each other to be the best they can be."
TCU Women’s Basketball History
In the three-season span from 2020-21 through 2022-23, TCU’s women’s basketball team struggled, compiling a record of 24-60. However, under Coach Campbell’s leadership, the team has undergone a dramatic transformation. The Horned Frogs improved to a 21-12 record in Campbell’s first season and have since shattered records this year with their 30-3 performance. The highest TCU has ever finished in the season-ending Associated Press poll is No. 20 in 2004, and they have never made it past the NCAA Tournament second round or been seeded higher than a 6. This season, both the seeding and the team’s aspirations are set to be record-breaking. "We are aiming for something special this year," Van Lith said. "We know the potential we have, and we are not satisfied with just making it to the tournament. We want to make a deep run."
Looking Forward: TCU’s Aspirations and Beyond
TCU’s success this season is not just a reflection of individual talent but a testament to the team’s chemistry and strategic transfer decisions. With Van Lith leading the charge, the Horned Frogs are poised to make a significant impact in the NCAA Tournament. The team’s deep run ambitions are realistic given their dominant performance in the Big 12 and their historic win total. "We have a lot of confidence in each other and in our coaching staff," Van Lith said. "We believe we can go far."
For Van Lith personally, this season at TCU is a crucial stepping stone towards her goal of playing in the WNBA. "I want to finish my college career on a high note and help bring a championship to TCU," she said. "After that, I’m ready for the next chapter." The future is bright for both Hailey Van Lith and TCU Women’s Basketball, and their partnership is set to be remembered as a pivotal moment in the program’s history.
