Hailey Van Lith had a memorable night at the 2025 WNBA Draft, where she was picked 11th overall by the Chicago Sky. The event took place at the Shed in New York, and it was a special moment not just for her, but also for her boyfriend, Jalen Suggs, a guard for the Orlando Magic. After her selection, the couple shared a sweet kiss, capturing the excitement of the evening.
Van Lith recently completed her college career at TCU, where she averaged 15.2 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 3.4 assists in her final season. This performance followed a notable stint at Louisville, where she averaged nearly 20 points per game. Despite a dip in her scoring at TCU, her skills and leadership on the court stood out, making her a valuable addition to the Sky.
The move to Chicago reunites Van Lith with her former LSU teammate, Angel Reese, who was drafted seventh overall last year. Reese expressed her excitement on social media, saying, “We ain’t do it right the first time. Let’s run it backkkkk.” This connection could enhance the chemistry between the two players as they aim to make an impact in the league.
Van Lith’s journey in college basketball has been quite eventful. After starting at Louisville in 2020, she transferred to LSU, where she played a key role in their national championship run. However, after a challenging season at LSU, she made another switch to TCU, where she found her footing again.
Suggs, who has been dating Van Lith since around 2021, has also faced challenges this season. He was averaging 16.2 points per game before undergoing knee surgery that sidelined him for the remainder of the year. Despite this setback, he remains optimistic about his career and the possibility of playing alongside Van Lith in a fun two-on-two matchup against fellow players.
As both athletes continue their careers, their support for each other will be a significant part of their journeys in professional sports. The WNBA Draft marks a new chapter for Van Lith, and fans are eager to see what she will accomplish with the Chicago Sky.