Former Louisville and LSU women’s basketball star Hailey Van Lith will be suiting up for her third collegiate program next season, as multiple reports confirm she will transfer to TCU for the 2024-25 campaign. It’s a headline-grabbing move that not only continues Van Lith’s high-profile journey through the NCAA ranks, but also signals a rising ambition for the Horned Frogs, who are looking to make a major leap in the Big 12 under head coach Mark Campbell.
Van Lith’s decision to join TCU comes after a season at LSU that many expected would culminate in another Final Four appearance for the defending national champions. Instead, LSU fell short in the Elite Eight to Caitlin Clark and Iowa, and Van Lith’s role in Baton Rouge raised questions about her fit within Kim Mulkey’s system. Though she was still an impactful contributor, it was clear from early in the season that she was being asked to play out of position, serving as more of a traditional point guard rather than the scoring-focused combo guard role in which she excelled at Louisville.
Now, with one final year of college eligibility remaining, Van Lith has opted for a fresh start at TCU, a program that is building toward becoming a force in the new-look Big 12. The conference is undergoing seismic changes with the additions of Arizona, Arizona State, Utah, and Colorado, while Texas and Oklahoma are departing for the SEC. That changing landscape could work in Van Lith’s favor, offering her a unique opportunity to dominate in a conference that is both competitive and transitional.
Van Lith, one of the most recognizable names in women’s college basketball, brings elite-level experience, a deep postseason résumé, and a fiery on-court demeanor that has captivated fans across the country. She’ll instantly become the face of TCU’s program and a foundational piece for a team looking to break through nationally.
At Louisville, Van Lith was a star from the moment she stepped on the court. A McDonald’s All-American out of Cashmere High School in Washington, she was a top-10 national recruit who brought a professional work ethic and a fearless mindset to the Cardinals. Over three seasons, she averaged 15.4 points per game and helped lead Louisville to multiple deep NCAA Tournament runs, including a Final Four appearance in 2022.
Van Lith’s scoring ability, particularly her midrange jumper and knack for hitting tough shots in big moments, earned her a reputation as one of the most clutch guards in the nation. Her fiery intensity, combined with her social media presence and high-profile NIL partnerships, made her one of the faces of the sport during a time when women’s college basketball was surging in popularity.
After the 2022-23 season, Van Lith entered the transfer portal in a move that shocked many around the sport. But it became clear that she was seeking a championship-ready program that could help her sharpen her game and prepare her for a professional career. LSU, fresh off its 2023 national title, seemed like a logical choice. Joining forces with Angel Reese, Flau’jae Johnson, and a host of top recruits, Van Lith was viewed as the missing piece that could help Kim Mulkey repeat as national champions.
However, her lone season in Baton Rouge was filled with ups and downs. Van Lith started all 33 games and averaged 11.6 points and 3.6 assists per game, but she struggled with shooting efficiency and turnovers. Playing out of position, she often appeared hesitant and out of rhythm, a far cry from the confident, aggressive scorer she was at Louisville. Critics questioned whether Mulkey’s structured offensive system allowed Van Lith the freedom she needed to thrive. Despite the team’s overall talent and depth, chemistry issues lingered throughout the season, culminating in the early tournament exit and a series of off-court headlines.
Now, as she prepares for her final season, Van Lith appears to have chosen a landing spot where she can both lead and return to the style of play that once made her a household name. At TCU, she will likely be given the keys to the offense and the green light to be a primary scoring threat, something that could restore her confidence and reestablish her as a premier guard in the country.
Head coach Mark Campbell, who took over at TCU in 2023 after building a powerhouse at Sacramento State, has already made significant strides in rebuilding the Horned Frogs program. In his first season, Campbell focused on culture, toughness, and recruiting players with high motors and leadership traits. Van Lith fits that mold perfectly. Known for her tireless work ethic and unrelenting competitiveness, she brings instant credibility and a championship mindset to a locker room hungry for success.
Campbell has said repeatedly that he’s aiming to build a sustainable winner at TCU—one that competes for conference titles and NCAA Tournament berths. The addition of Van Lith accelerates that timeline. She not only brings talent and experience, but she also commands attention, both from fans and opposing defenses. Her presence will elevate the play of her teammates, who now have a battle-tested veteran to lead them through high-pressure moments.
There’s also the NIL factor to consider. Van Lith is one of the most marketable athletes in college sports, male or female. With a massive social media following and partnerships with major brands, her arrival at TCU signals a new era for the program in the evolving world of college athletics. It shows that TCU can be a destination not just for athletes looking to develop their game, but also for those looking to build a brand.
From a basketball standpoint, Van Lith’s addition gives the Horned Frogs a scoring punch they sorely lacked in recent years. She’s a career 34% shooter from beyond the arc, a capable defender, and someone who thrives in late-game situations. She relishes the moment, never shies away from contact, and often plays with a chip on her shoulder. That type of tenacity is infectious and could be the catalyst for a breakout season in Fort Worth.
For Van Lith, the move to TCU represents a chance to write her final collegiate chapter on her own terms. She’s endured the highs of the Final Four, the pressures of playing for a national champion, and the scrutiny that comes with being one of the sport’s biggest names. Now, she has the opportunity to lead a program that’s eager to win and willing to bet on her leadership and ability to deliver in big moments.
Off the court, she’s already begun to make waves in Fort Worth. Her arrival has energized the fan base, drawn national attention to the program, and could help TCU land other top recruits or transfers who want to play alongside her. The ripple effect of this move will be felt well beyond the box score.
Still, there will be challenges. The Big 12 is a rugged, defensive-minded conference where guards are constantly pressured and games are often decided in the final minutes. Van Lith will need to prove she can adjust quickly, take care of the basketball, and be the floor general Campbell expects her to be. But with her experience, maturity, and skill set, there’s every reason to believe she’s up to the task.
Van Lith’s college journey—spanning from ACC powers to the SEC and now to the Big 12—has been anything but conventional. She’s navigated immense expectations, intense spotlight, and some difficult transitions. But through it all, she’s continued to evolve and push herself. That relentless drive is why so many believe her best basketball may still be ahead of her.
Her decision to join TCU also reflects the broader changes in women’s college basketball. The transfer portal has allowed players to find new opportunities, seek better fits, and extend their careers in meaningful ways. Van Lith’s move is emblematic of that new freedom, and it underscores the importance of players finding environments where they can thrive both on and off the court.
As the 2024–25 season approaches, all eyes will be on Fort Worth. Can Hailey Van Lith lead TCU to a breakout year? Will this be the season she recaptures her All-American form and takes her game to another level? Those questions will be answered in due time, but one thing is clear: TCU women’s basketball just became one of the most intriguing teams in the country.
And for Van Lith, it’s one final shot to remind everyone why she was once considered the most fearless scorer in college basketball. Her story is still being written—and the next chapter promises to be her most compelling yet.
