Hailey Van Lith and Angel Reese Reunite on the Chicago Sky: A New Chapter for the WNBA’s Rising Stars

The 2025 WNBA Draft brought a wave of excitement, but no moment sparked more buzz than the Chicago Sky selecting TCU guard Hailey Van Lith with the No. 11 overall pick, reuniting her with former LSU teammate Angel Reese. Far from the drama-laden narrative of forced alliances and bitter rivalries, this reunion is shaping up to be a dynamic partnership with the potential to elevate the Sky’s fortunes. As fans gear up for the 2025 season, all eyes are on Van Lith and Reese to see if their college chemistry can translate to WNBA success. Let’s dive into their journey, the Sky’s bold draft move, and what this means for the league.
From LSU to the WNBA: A Shared History
Hailey Van Lith and Angel Reese’s paths first crossed at LSU during the 2023-24 season, where they played together on a star-studded roster under coach Kim Mulkey. The Tigers, coming off a 2023 national championship, were the preseason No. 1 team, with expectations sky-high. Van Lith, a transfer from Louisville, joined Reese, Aneesah Morrow, and Flau’jae Johnson, forming a powerhouse lineup. Despite a 31-6 record and an Elite Eight appearance, the season ended in a 94-87 loss to Caitlin Clark’s Iowa Hawkeyes, falling short of a title repeat (Sports Reference).

Van Lith’s lone season at LSU was challenging. Averaging 11.6 points and 3.6 assists on a career-low 37.8% shooting, she struggled to find her rhythm (ESPN). Meanwhile, Reese shone, averaging 18.6 points and 13.4 rebounds, cementing her status as a top prospect. After the season, Reese entered the 2024 WNBA Draft, landing with the Sky at No. 7, while Van Lith transferred to TCU for her final college year, seeking to boost her draft stock.
At TCU, Van Lith thrived, averaging 17.9 points, 5.4 assists, and 4.6 rebounds on 45.2% shooting, leading the Horned Frogs to their first Elite Eight and earning Big 12 Player of the Year honors (Chicago Sky). Her bounce-back season made her a first-round pick, setting the stage for her WNBA debut with the Sky.
The Chicago Sky’s Draft Strategy
The Chicago Sky’s decision to draft Van Lith at No. 11 was a calculated move to bolster their backcourt and build around their young core, including Reese and 2024 draftee Kamilla Cardoso. The Sky, coming off a 13-27 season in 2024, missed the playoffs despite Reese’s historic rookie campaign, where she led the league with 13.1 rebounds per game and set the WNBA’s single-season rebounding record (Bleacher Report).
General Manager Jeff Pagliocca praised Van Lith’s versatility, noting her ability to play both point and shooting guard. “Hailey made an impact on multiple contending teams across her collegiate and international career, and we expect her winning ability to translate,” he said (Chicago Sky). The Sky also selected Slovenian forward Ajša Sivka at No. 10, aiming to add floor-spacing to complement Reese and Cardoso’s interior dominance (CBS Sports).
Reese’s reaction to the pick was immediate and enthusiastic. Posting on X, she wrote, “Yes yes yes. We ain’t do it right the first time. Let’s run it backkkkk” (Angel Reese). Van Lith echoed the sentiment, describing Reese as a “dawg” who elevates everyone around her. “We have a mature, mutual respect relationship,” Van Lith said. “I’m excited to be in that environment with her again” (USA Today).
Dispelling the Drama Narrative
Contrary to exaggerated claims of rivalry and locker room chaos, there’s no evidence of bad blood between Van Lith and Reese. Their time at LSU, while not championship-winning, was marked by mutual respect. Van Lith noted they stayed in contact after leaving LSU, with Reese publicly supporting her TCU journey with posts like “H-V-L” (USA Today). Reese’s excitement for the reunion and Van Lith’s positive comments dispel any notion of forced alliances or lingering tensions.
A misleading post on X suggested Van Lith was displeased about joining Reese, but this claim lacks credible backing and contradicts Van Lith’s own statements (X Post). Fans and media have overwhelmingly celebrated the reunion, with posts calling them a “dynamic duo” and predicting a boost to the Sky’s fanbase (X Posts, X Posts). The narrative of drama appears to be a sensationalized fabrication, not reflective of the players’ professional relationship.
What This Reunion Means for the Sky
The Sky’s 2025 roster is brimming with potential. Reese, an All-Star in her rookie year, brings relentless rebounding and interior presence. Van Lith, with her playmaking and scoring ability, fills a critical need at point guard, especially as a backup to veteran Courtney Vandersloot, a five-time All-Star who re-signed with Chicago in February 2025 (OutKick). Under new head coach Tyler Marsh, known for developing guards like Jackie Young, Van Lith is expected to thrive in a spread pick-and-roll system (CBS Sports).
Their complementary skill sets could create a potent pick-and-roll duo. Van Lith’s ability to create shots and distribute pairs well with Reese’s dominance in the paint. “Any time I can play in space with talented bigs like Reese and Cardoso, I’m at my best,” Van Lith said (Yahoo Sports). The Sky’s 2024 struggles with guard-post synergy could be alleviated by their established chemistry, offering a foundation for growth.
Challenges and Opportunities
Van Lith faces an uphill battle to secure a starting role, given Vandersloot’s experience and the Sky’s crowded guard rotation, which includes Ariel Atkins. Her 5’9” frame and defensive limitations may pose challenges, but her shot-making and leadership—honed at Louisville, LSU, TCU, and with the 2024 Olympic 3×3 bronze-medal team—make her a valuable asset (ClutchPoints).
The Sky’s 2025 season tips off on May 17 against Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever, a marquee matchup that will test their revamped roster (Chicago Sky). With Reese, Van Lith, Cardoso, and new additions like Sivka, the Sky aim to climb the standings and return to the playoffs. Training camp, starting April 27, will be crucial for integrating Van Lith and refining their on-court dynamic.
A Broader Impact on the WNBA
The Van Lith-Reese reunion adds intrigue to an already exciting WNBA landscape. The 2025 draft introduced stars like Paige Bueckers (No. 1, Dallas Wings), amplifying the league’s growing popularity, fueled by players like Clark and Reese. The Sky’s young core could draw significant attention, boosting attendance and viewership, much like Clark’s 320% attendance spike for the Fever in 2024 (Sportico).
Off the court, both players bring star power. Reese, a 2023 SI Swimsuit model, and Van Lith, who graced the digital cover in 2025, share a knack for engaging fans beyond basketball (Daily Mail). Their marketability, combined with their on-court potential, positions the Sky as a team to watch.
Looking Ahead
As the 2025 season approaches, the narrative around Van Lith and Reese is one of opportunity, not conflict. Their shared history, mutual respect, and complementary skills set the stage for a compelling partnership. While challenges remain—adapting to the WNBA’s pace, meshing with veterans, and overcoming a tough Eastern Conference—their reunion is a chance to “run it back” and achieve what they couldn’t at LSU.
Fans can expect an exciting season, with the Sky’s opener against the Fever marking the start of a new era. Whether Van Lith and Reese become the WNBA’s next great duo or face growing pains, their journey will captivate audiences. For now, the focus is on training camp, where they’ll lay the groundwork for a season that could redefine the Chicago Sky.