Hailey Van Lith Post-WNBA Draft Interview: Chicago Sky, Angel Reese, and Mental Health

Draft Day and Chicago Sky

• 🏀 Hailey Van Lith expressed immense gratitude for being selected by the Chicago Sky with the 11th pick in the WNBA Draft.
• 🔑 She emphasized that all she ever asked for was an opportunity, and she feels honored and blessed that the Sky provided that.
• 🎯 Van Lith aims to contribute a toughness and resilience to the team's culture, aligning with their desire for hardworking and selfless players.

Reunion with Angel Reese

• 🤝 Van Lith is excited to be reunited with former teammate Angel Reese, with whom she has maintained a mature and mutually respectful relationship.
• ⚡ She highlighted Reese's ability to elevate the intensity of those around her and is eager to be in that environment again.
• 💪 On the court, both players are described as "tough dogs" willing to do the "unsexy" but necessary things to win, like aggressive rebounding and defense.

Mental Health and Advocacy

• 🧠 Van Lith shared the importance of her work with her sports psychologist, Derek Grant, in managing her inner state and reducing the impact of external factors.
• 📈 She believes mental health is crucial to her game, impacting decision-making, confidence, and overall performance.
• 🛡️ She appreciated the WNBA Commissioner's efforts to combat social media negativity and support players' mental well-being, including an app to filter hate comments.
• 🌟 Van Lith is still figuring out her path as an advocate but sees her platform as a unique lane to be authentic and connect with people, trusting that God will make the way clear.

Embracing the Professional Level

• 🚀 Van Lith views her college experience, including her transfer to TCU and subsequent success, as a period of growth rather than a "revenge tour."
• 🌱 She believes these experiences helped her grow as a basketball player and human being, emphasizing self-belief as key to success at the next level.
• 🏆 She is excited to embrace the competition and see how she stacks up against the powerful talent in the WNBA, looking forward to every day in training camp.