Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Hailey Van Lith Just Made a Move the WNBA Can’t Ignore

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Paolo Songco | Last updated Jul 9, 2025 9:59 PM ET

Hailey Van Lith hasn't exactly been lighting it up for the Chicago Sky in her first season in the WNBA. The former TCU standout has averaged just 12.6 minutes per contest as a rookie, putting up 4.0 points and 1.3 assists in 16 appearances off the bench this year.

Every now and again, however, Van Lith shows some flashes of brilliance on the court. She got a chance to do so on Wednesday in Chicago's home game against fellow rookie Paige Bueckers and the Dallas Wings. Van Lith responded by sinking a pull-up jumper after a smooth behind-the-back dribble in the first half.

It was a move that the WNBA could not ignore.

"Smooth pull-up from HVL She puts the Sky on top by 1 heading into the 2nd!" the league posted on X.

Smooth pull-up from HVL

She puts the Sky on top by 1 heading into the 2nd!

DAL-CHI | League Pass pic.twitter.com/UhmXUrLgEg
— WNBA (@WNBA) July 10, 2025

Van Lith came off the bench for Chicago in this one, and she was able to log four minutes in the opening half. The 5-foot-9 guard did her part in helping the Sky secure a 45-37 lead at the break.

Chicago will look to keep things going in the second half as it aims to end its current two-game losing streak. A victory for them on Wednesday will see the Sky overtake the Wings in the standings.

Chicago entered this game with a 5-13 record, while the Wings put their 6-14 standing on the line. Van Lith and Co. will be able to leapfrog Dallas for the No. 11 spot in the league if they secure a win tonight.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: