The final chapter of Hailey Van Lith’s college career didn’t come with a storybook ending, but it did deliver a moment that hit fans right in the feels. As the last buzzer sounded on TCU’s 58-47 loss to Texas in the Elite Eight, Van Lith found herself in the arms of Horned Frogs head coach Mark Campbell, her longtime mentor.
A tough night on the floor. A brutal way to go out. But through it all, a bond that clearly runs deeper than basketball.
Emotional Goodbye for Hailey Van Lith After Tough Loss
Van Lith led TCU with 17 points, but she struggled from the field. She shot just 3-of-15 from the field and had seven turnovers. Nevertheless, she still found a way to contribute.
Van Lith knocked down 10 free throws, but Texas’ suffocating defense made life miserable. And when it was over, all she could do was lean into Campbell as he consoled his star guard.
But this wasn’t just another game; it was the last one. And after stints at Louisville, LSU, and TCU, this was the closing act of an unforgettable college run.
The Elite Eight was a stage Van Lith knew well, making it every single year in college, even reaching the Final Four with Louisville. Yet, this one stung. It wasn’t just the end of the season — it was the end of an era.
Jalen Suggs’ Courtside Support and What’s Next for Van Lith
Adding another layer to the emotional night, Orlando Magic guard Jalen Suggs — who is reportedly dating Van Lith — was spotted in the stands repping her TCU jersey, cheering her on like a full-fledged WAG.
Suggs, a rising NBA star, knows all about the highs and lows of tournament play, and his presence wasn’t lost on fans who noticed the couple’s growing public support for each other.
Now, all eyes are on Van Lith’s next move. The WNBA Draft looms, and despite her struggles in this last outing, her overall season at TCU was a redemption arc worth noting.
After a rough year at LSU under Kim Mulkey, where she never quite found her rhythm alongside Angel Reese, Van Lith bounced back in a big way. With the Horned Frogs, she averaged 17.9 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 5.4 assists, proving she’s still got that star power.
Van Lith’s next stop is likely the WNBA. But for now, it’s all about closing the book on an unforgettable college career — one final moment with the coach who helped shape it, one last game that, win or lose, cemented her legacy.