Angel Reese couldn’t be prouder of former LSU Tigers teammate and current TCU Horned Frogs superstar Hailey Van Lith. The young basketball talent has taken the sports world by storm, impressing everyone from fans to the Chicago Sky forward as she made college basketball history.
Van Lith, in her final year of eligibility now, has proven her worth as one of the most talented athletes in the country. Of course, this comes after a lackluster 2024 season with LSU, with Van Lith working beyond her abilities.
Now, she has a Big 12 Championship under her list of achievements. To make it even more special, this is also the first time TCU women’s basketball has taken home the Big 12 title, making Van Lith and her teammates college basketball icons in Texas.
Reese, of course, had to compliment.
Angel Reese in Awe of Hailey Van Lith After TCU Star’s Big 12 Championship Win
TSU women’s basketball X account, hyping Van Lith, shared a photo of their star guard with the trophy.
“One of one,” the account wrote.
so proud of you sis! @haileyvanlith https://t.co/OtaZyUQTdw
— Angel Reese (@Reese10Angel) March 3, 2025
Reese, beaming with pride, added: “So proud of you sis!”
Before winning everyone over with her success at TCU, Van Lith had admitted to struggling in Louisiana. Reese, while on the first episode of her podcast “Unapologetically Angel,” spoke about Van Lith and how she felt bad for the Washington native.
“We weren’t super close, but I was probably one of the closer people with her on the team,” Reese said.
“I think she was really distant from everybody else. So I kind of felt bad, so was like let me get close to her and like see who she is, because she was the only white girl.”
Angel Reese opens up about her relationship with Hailey Van Lith
Watch full episode here: https://t.co/PRkTaOPw0g pic.twitter.com/C07zXdPsJP
— Unapologetically Angel (@angelreeseshow) September 6, 2024
The two athletes have continued to develop a close bond, often speaking positively of the other to the media.
Incredibly talented in their own way, both Reese and Van Lith had different experiences at LSU. Reese, who transferred from Maryland, was a star who led the Tigers to a national title. Van Lith, a star player for the Louisville Cardinals, struggled to fit in and lead LSU to consecutive titles.
But with a fresh start at TCU, Van Lith is now headed to the Big 12 Tournament as a top seed. The 23-year-old guard is also averaging 17.6 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game this season.
Reese, on her end, averaged 13.6 points, 13.1 rebounds, and 1.9 assists during her rookie 2024 WNBA season.
As the NCAA season heats up, one can only expect Reese to continue cheering her former teammate, who has a legit shot at another historic title.