Hailey Van Lith Waived by Connecticut Sun: A Turbulent Start to Her WNBA Journey
The WNBA landscape is shifting once again. In a move that has caught the attention of basketball fans across the globe, the Connecticut Sun announced on Thursday that they have waived guard Hailey Van Lith. This marks a challenging stretch for the former college sensation, who now finds herself searching for a professional home for the second time in a single month.
A Brief but Promising Stint in Connecticut
Van Lith’s time with the Sun was short, but the numbers suggest she was finding her rhythm. Over nine games, she averaged 8.1 points and 2.2 assists per contest. Despite only starting three of those games, she showcased an impressive efficiency that hinted at her potential growth in the league.
Her shooting splits were particularly noteworthy:
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- Field Goal Percentage: 49.2%
- Three-Point Percentage: 47.1%
- Impact: Ranked second on the team in total field goals (30) and tied for second in 3-pointers (8).
While she played a vital role in the rotation and scored nine or more points in each of her first five appearances, the Sun are currently navigating a difficult 1-8 season, leading to constant roster adjustments.
The Roster Shuffle: Enter Leïla Lacan
The decision to part ways with Van Lith coincided with the return of French guard Leïla Lacan. Lacan, who was on contract suspension due to overseas commitments, returns to the US after a dominant performance in the 2026 La Boulangère Wonderligue, where she secured a title with Basket Landes and was named Finals MVP.
According to reports from ESPN, Lacan is expected to make her season debut this Saturday against the Los Angeles Sparks, effectively filling the guard vacancy on the Sun’s roster.
From College Stardom to Professional Hurdles
Hailey Van Lith entered the WNBA with immense expectations. A former standout at Louisville (averaging a career-high 19.7 PPG in 2022-23) and later a powerhouse at TCU, she proved her worth as an elite playmaker. At TCU, she set program records for points (680) and assists (204) in a single season, earning Big 12 Player of the Year honors and leading the team to their first Elite Eight appearance.
However, the transition to the WNBA has been a rollercoaster. After being drafted 11th overall by the Chicago Sky, she was waived due to what the coaching staff described as “style-of-play preference.” Her brief reunion with former LSU teammate Angel Reese in Chicago ended as the Sky underwent a massive roster overhaul following a disappointing 10-34 season.
What’s Next for Hailey Van Lith?
Despite the setbacks, Van Lith remains resilient. She has expressed gratitude for the transparency and the opportunity provided by the Connecticut Sun. With her improved shooting percentages and collegiate pedigree, she remains an attractive option for teams looking for a scoring guard with a high basketball IQ.
The question now remains: which WNBA franchise will take a chance on the 5-foot-9 guard to help them make a push for the playoffs?
