Hailey Van Lith has become a name synonymous with resilience and brilliance in women’s college basketball. As of March 31, 2025, this TCU star continues to captivate fans with her standout performances in the NCAA Women’s Tournament, particularly in the ongoing March Madness run. Today, as No. 2 TCU faces off against No. 1 Texas in the Elite Eight, all eyes are on Van Lith, who’s already proven her worth by leading the Horned Frogs to uncharted territory. Her journey—from Louisville to LSU and now TCU—reflects a remarkable story of redemption and record-breaking achievements.
This season, Van Lith has redefined what it means to be a game-changer. After transferring to TCU, a program that hadn’t seen the NCAA Tournament since 2010, she’s turned the Horned Frogs into a powerhouse. Her stats speak volumes: averaging 17.9 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game, she’s earned titles like Big 12 Player of the Year and First-Team All-Big 12. But it’s her clutch performances in March Madness that have fans buzzing. On Friday, she dropped 26 points against Notre Dame, securing TCU’s first-ever Elite Eight appearance with a 71-62 victory. Now, Texas awaits—a matchup that could propel TCU to its inaugural Final Four.
Hailey Van Lith: A Record-Breaking Force
Hailey Van Lith isn’t just playing basketball; she’s rewriting history. She’s the first player—male or female—in NCAA Tournament history to lead three different teams to the Elite Eight. Starting at Louisville, she made three consecutive Elite Eight runs, including a Final Four berth. Last year at LSU, she reached the regional final, though a tough matchup against Caitlin Clark and Iowa ended that journey. Now, at TCU, her leadership has elevated a once-struggling program to new heights.
Her latest stats against Notre Dame showcase her versatility:
- Points: 26
- Rebounds: 9
- Assists: 4
- Steals: 1
- Blocks: 1
Van Lith’s 12 points in the fourth quarter alone outscored Notre Dame’s entire team in that frame. Coach Mark Campbell calls her “Miss March,” a nickname she’s earned through sheer determination. Facing Texas tonight, she’ll need that same fire to outduel their star, Madison Booker, who averages 16.4 points and recently scored 17 against Tennessee.
Facing Texas: What’s at Stake
Tonight’s Elite Eight clash pits Van Lith against a formidable Texas squad. The Longhorns, led by Booker, have their sights set on their first Final Four since 2003. TCU, on the other hand, is chasing a historic milestone. The stakes couldn’t be higher, and Van Lith thrives in these moments. Her ability to take over games—like scoring 18 of her 26 points in the second half against Notre Dame—makes her the X-factor.
Texas brings a balanced attack, with Booker’s scoring complemented by a stout defense that held Tennessee to a late-game collapse. Van Lith will need support from teammates like Sedona Prince, who tallied 21 points and six blocks against Notre Dame. If TCU’s defense can disrupt Texas’s rhythm, Van Lith’s offensive prowess could tip the scales. Fans are eager to see if she’ll add another chapter to her legacy.
Why Hailey Van Lith Inspires
Beyond the stats, Van Lith’s journey resonates deeply. After a challenging year at LSU, where her role diminished and criticism mounted, she chose TCU—a team coming off a 1-17 Big 12 record. That decision paid off. She’s not just chasing wins; she’s lifting a program and inspiring others. Van Lith recently opened up about her mental health struggles, sharing how faith and joy fuel her play. “I’m going out there with no regrets,” she said after the Notre Dame win.
Her impact extends off the court too. Former LSU teammate Angel Reese has cheered her on, tweeting “HVL” during Saturday’s game. At 5-foot-7, with one leg half an inch shorter than the other, Van Lith defies odds with relentless energy. As TCU battles Texas tonight, her story reminds us that greatness often comes from grit.