The basketball world held its breath this week as the Chicago Sky’s newest sensation, rookie guard Hailey Van Lith, traded her sneakers for a swimsuit, and the result is nothing short of spectacular.
With anticipation mounting, Van Lith revealed a series of striking images from her Sports Illustrated Swimsuit photoshoot, leaving fans and critics alike stunned by her effortless blend of strength and glamour. From the sun-drenched sands of Fort Worth, Texas, to the glossy digital cover of SI’s 2025 Swimsuit edition, Van Lith’s transformation has ignited a firestorm of admiration across social media and beyond.
Hailey Van Lith’s Journey: From Court to Cover
A former McDonald’s All-American and Washington Miss Basketball standout (2020), Van Lith’s journey to SI’s swimsuit pages has been defined by record-breaking achievements on the basketball court.
The 23-year-old became the first player in NCAA history—male or female—to appear in the Elite Eight five times, with stops at Louisville, LSU, and TCU, culminating in a memorable 2025 Big 12 Player of the Year season at TCU. Beyond college hoops, she claimed an Olympic bronze medal in 3×3 basketball at the Paris Games, adding international prestige to her burgeoning profile.
Selected 11th overall by the Chicago Sky in the 2025 WNBA Draft, Van Lith instantly became one of the most talked-about rookies, thanks to her combination of on-court prowess and off-court charisma and making her a perfect fit for SI’s ethos of athletic beauty.
hailey van lith, wnba player pic.twitter.com/gjpsgI4VIZ
— ໊ (@baddieslust) May 14, 2025
Van Lith made her highly anticipated SI Swimsuit debut as the April 2025 digital cover star, showcasing a vibrant array of swimwear against the backdrop of Fort Worth’s historic Crescent Hotel.
A month later, she was captured again by acclaimed photographer Taylor Ballantyne for the SI Swimsuit May edition, which featured the rookie in swimsuits by RAT BOI and Frankies Bikinis, lending a playful-yet-athletic edge to each frame.
Stylists embraced a feminine and lively aesthetic, incorporating bold florals, breezy prints, and softly striking hues to accentuate Van Lith’s dynamic presence on camera.
Makeup artistry was helmed by Katie Mellinger of The Wall Group, while Paul Norton at Tracey Mattingly Agency brought Van Lith’s hair to life using UNITE products.
On Instagram, Mia Mastrov of the California Golden Bears and Michaela Onyenwere from the Chicago Sky hailed praises at Van Lith for her latest cover photoshoot.
What’s Next for Van Lith?
Meanwhile, the Chicago Sky is gearing up to soar high against the Indiana Fever on May 17. They are set to open the regular season slate at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. That means her focus shifts to basketball and recreating her iconic 25-footer 3-pointer, which bashed the Lynx on May 6.
As Van Lith’s SI Swimsuit spread continues to make waves, all eyes turn back to the WNBA. With the Chicago Sky eager to capitalize on her dynamic skill set, the rookie’s SI success may well translate into heightened expectations on the court.
Whether she’s sinking a game-winning jumper or striking a pose beneath the Texas sky, Hailey Van Lith is proving that modern athletes can rewrite the rules.