**Hailey Van Lith Stuns on Orange Carpet Ahead of WNBA Draft**
**Meta Description:** Hailey Van Lith captivates fans in a stunning black dress on the orange carpet before the WNBA Draft, reflecting on her journey and mental health.
**URL Slug:** hailey-van-lith-orange-carpet-wnba-draft
Hailey Van Lith, the standout former TCU Horned Frogs basketball player, made a striking appearance on the orange carpet ahead of the WNBA Draft, turning heads just as she did on the court during her college career. Dressed in an elegant black gown, Van Lith was joined by fellow athletes Paige Bueckers, Kiki Iriafen, Sonia Citron, Georgia Amoore, Aneesah Morrow, Aziaha James, and Saniya Rivers, all of whom added to the excitement of the evening.
Van Lith’s outfit sparked conversations on social media, where she humorously remarked, “It’s a funeral, babe. It’s a college funeral,” highlighting the significance of this moment as she transitions from college to professional basketball.
After an impressive final season at TCU, where she played a pivotal role in leading the Horned Frogs to their first-ever Big 12 Championship and an Elite Eight appearance in the NCAA Women’s Tournament, Van Lith entered the draft with a strong resume. Over her collegiate career, she averaged 15.2 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 3.4 assists across 172 games, earning All-American honors for the first time last season.
In addition to her athletic achievements, Van Lith has been open about her struggles with mental health, sharing her journey with vulnerability. “The way that I got exposed to the media and social media at such a young age, I really struggled with mental health things,” she revealed. “When I was younger and in college, I was suicidal, I was heavily medicated, and I felt trapped.” Despite her success on the court, she faced significant internal battles, expressing a desire to overcome her pain and suffering.
Reflecting on her transformation, Van Lith stated, “To come from that to this is incredible. I’ve been praying all year like, ‘God, I know you’ve given me this testimony to share it with the world and shed your light,’ and I think this is the year and this is the moment that he wants people to know my story.” Her journey from despair to a renewed love for life serves as an inspiration to many, emphasizing the importance of mental health awareness.
As the WNBA Draft approaches, all eyes will be on Van Lith as she embarks on the next chapter of her basketball career, bringing her resilience and passion to the professional stage.
**FAQ**
**What challenges did Hailey Van Lith face during her college career?**
Hailey Van Lith faced significant mental health challenges during her college years, including struggles with suicidal thoughts and heavy medication, despite her success on the basketball court.