Chicago Sky guard Courtney Vandersloot suffered a torn ACL early in a game against the Indiana Fever, ending her season. The non-contact injury immediately sparked concern and was later confirmed to be season-ending.
In Vandersloot’s absence, rookie Hailey Van Lith is expected to take on a much larger role. The Sky now face the challenge of navigating the rest of the season without their veteran floor general.
Hailey Van Lith Navigates Anxiety, Opportunity in Wake of Vandersloot Injury
The Chicago Sky’s plans to gradually ease Hailey Van Lith into the WNBA have shifted significantly following a major injury to point guard Courtney Vandersloot. The 15-year veteran suffered a torn ACL in her right knee during a June 7 game, accelerating Van Lith’s role on the team.
Now, next in line on the depth chart, Van Lith faces increased responsibility earlier than expected. Speaking on June 10, she acknowledged the mental challenge of the opportunity.
“The best thing I can do is be excited for it,” Van Lith said. “I think the most that I can battle and keep away the fear of the moment, and being scared of it, I think is gonna help me play free and play loose, and do what I do,” she told reporters via the Chicago State of Mind Sports YouTube channel.
Chicago Sky Head Coach Tyler Marsh says Courtney Vandersloot’s injury is a tough situation but has galvanized the locker room. Marsh says Hailey Van Lith’s development will be fast tracked, but Ariel Atkins & Rachel Banham will also handle the ball at times. #Chicagosky #WNBA
— Kylen Mills (@KylenMills) June 10, 2025
Van Lith, who has already played at three colleges and adapted to multiple systems and coaching styles, pointed to her history of leadership through adversity.
“I stepped up and led teams in uncomfortable situations, so… this is what I specialize in. Let’s see if I can do it at the next level,” she added. “It’s really gonna be a challenge, it’s gonna be really, really hard, and I know that. But as long as I keep a positive attitude about it, I feel good about how I’ll be able to carry myself.”
While the Sky figures out how to restructure the rotation, Van Lith’s minutes have already seen a notable uptick. After logging 37 minutes across four games behind Vandersloot, she totaled 42 over the last two.
Head coach Tyler Marsh started Rachel Banham as point guard in the most recent game against the Liberty, giving her 27 minutes while Van Lith saw 16. Marsh said Banham currently offers a firmer grasp of the offense, though he acknowledged Van Lith’s growth.
“She doesn’t lose confidence, that’s the biggest thing,” Marsh said. “She can make a mistake, and you bring her to the sideline to talk about it, and she’s already recognized it.”
Despite an early-season ankle issue, Van Lith has pushed through. Coming off a heavy workload at TCU and an NCAA Tournament run, her transition has been quicker than many expected. Her readiness is now essential as a starter or off the bench.
