Hailey Van Lith, a talented 22-year-old guard, is currently training in Springfield, Massachusetts, with her sights set on securing a spot on the USA Basketball 3x3 Olympic team this summer. Van Lith, who has previously played for Louisville and LSU, has a strong track record in 3x3 basketball, having won a gold medal with the U18 team in 2019 and also clinching gold at the FIBA 3x3 World Cup last year.
The upcoming Paris Games will mark the second Olympics to feature 3x3 basketball, following its debut in Tokyo in 2021. Van Lith emphasized the unique challenges of 3x3 play, highlighting the need for players to be versatile and adaptable across different game strategies and positions.
Van Lith's chances of making the Paris Games team are bolstered by her current fifth-place ranking in total points accumulated in FIBA rankings, as two of the four team members must be in America's top 10 for eligibility.
Participating in the training camp alongside WNBA players like Dearica Hamby, Allisha Gray, and Rhyne Howard has provided Van Lith with valuable learning opportunities to enhance her skills and elevate her game.
While Van Lith remains undecided about her college basketball future, she disclosed that she has visited TCU and expressed interest in the school, among others. She has opted to play one more season in college instead of entering the WNBA draft, leveraging the NCAA's additional year eligibility for athletes affected by the pandemic.
Van Lith's collegiate journey has been marked by success, including leading Louisville to the Final Four in 2022 before transferring to LSU for the 2023-24 season. Her impact in the NCAA transfer portal has once again garnered attention, underscoring her status as a sought-after player in women's college basketball.
Van Lith's commitment to her training and pursuit of Olympic dreams exemplify her dedication to the sport and her aspirations for future success on the international stage.
