Hailey Van Lith Admits Surprise Over Angel Reese’s Departure

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Hailey Van Lith Admits Surprise Over Angel Reese’s Departure

Originally posted on TheSheGotGame | By Joy Bassy | Last updated Apr 30, 2026 8:30 AM ET

Hailey Van Lith is speaking out after the Chicago Sky traded superstar Angel Reese to the Atlanta Dream. The former LSU teammates faced off as opponents for the first time yesterday. Van Lith admitted the move was a shock but expressed support for her friend.

In a media availability ahead of the preseason game against the Dream, Van Lith said:

“Kind of like [Elizabeth Williams said], it was something that you saw, and you’re surprised by. But also, it’s the nature of the business. And everyone’s allowed to pursue their own personal endeavors, and our team is allowed to pursue their endeavors, and players are allowed to pursue their endeavors,” Van Lith said, per an X post from Chicago State of Mind Sports.

Hailey Van Lith on the Angel Reese trade.

"Kind of like E said, it was something that you're surprised by, but also like it's the nature of the business and everyone's allowed to pursue their own personal endeavors and our team is allowed to pursue their endeavors and players… pic.twitter.com/jdmfNG2SVM
— Chicago State of Mind Sports (@ChiStateOfMind_) April 29, 2026

“So it’s a trade-off. And really, I hope the best for [Reese], and she deserves a place that she wants to be at, and it feels like that’s a good environment for her. I’m really happy for her that she took that jump, and looking forward to competing and playing against her today,” she added.

Reese and Van Lith share a history that dates back to their college days. The duo first built a strong bond under coach Kim Mulkey during Reese’s final college season. They also played together for the Chicago Sky, but only for one season.

Reese and Van Lith faced each other for the first time in their careers after Reese joined Atlanta via a trade just 22 days before the game, with the Sky sending her and a 2028 second-round pick to the Dream in exchange for 2027 and 2028 first-round picks.

But before the game even started, Reese showed nothing but gratitude upon her return to Wintrust Arena.

Angel Reese is Grateful for Her Time with the Chicago Sky

The Dream came out on top against Chicago, 87-78, in the preseason game on April 29, as the former Sky star scored a modest 8 points in 13 minutes. On the other hand, HVL could only register 5 points in 24 minutes.

This article first appeared on TheSheGotGame and was syndicated with permission.

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