Surprising Reunion in the WNBA

The Chicago Sky made waves at the recent WNBA Draft by selecting TCU guard Hailey Van Lith as their 11th overall pick, directly reuniting her with former LSU teammate Angel Reese. Their time together at LSU culminated in a memorable, albeit tumultuous, season.

Van Lith's Unforgettable Season

During her year at LSU, Van Lith showcased her skills, averaging 11.6 points and 3.6 assists across 33 games. However, her performance peaked at a career-low shooting percentage of 37.8%. The season ended on a sour note when LSU fell to Caitlin Clark and the Iowa Hawkeyes in the 2024 Elite Eight, a game where Van Lith struggled to make an impact, scoring only nine points.

Excitement vs. Sadness: The Fan Reaction

While both Van Lith and Reese expressed enthusiasm about their reunion on social media, fans quickly picked up on an underlying tension. A notable post from Reese reminisced about their prior experiences together, but a clip of Van Lith responding to questions about joining the Sky has left many fans concerned for her well-being. Though she stated, "we're ready," the lack of enthusiasm in her expression caught the attention of social media.

Fans commented with empathy, interpreting her smile as a mask for deeper feelings. One user lamented, "Hailey Van Lith smiling through the pain of returning to toxic hell," while others echoed sentiments of sympathy. Comments ranged from "HVL is feeling sick" to pleas like, "Mannn oh mannn free HVL." It's clear that many supporters are worried about the mental toll this reunion may take.

A Hopeful Future?

Despite the mixed reactions, there’s hope for Van Lith as she embarks on this new chapter with Chicago. Will she be able to flourish in a fresh environment alongside Reese? Only time will tell. For now, fans are rallying around her, hoping this reunion will lead to a more positive experience than her last.