Van Lith stuns in SI Swimsuit debut, stepping into a powerful new spotlight

Hailey Van Lith, a standout guard for TCU and one of the most electrifying players in college basketball, just took on a new challenge, one far away from the hardwood.

The five-time Elite Eight participant and projected first-round WNBA Draft pick has officially debuted as a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit model, showcasing her versatility and confidence in a bold new setting.

On Tuesday, Sports Illustrated Swimsuit unveiled its April digital cover featuring Van Lith, accompanied by a video of her posing in stylish swimwear with ease and grace.

While the shoot marked a dramatic departure from her usual on-court attire, Van Lith didn’t shy away from expressing what the experience meant to her.

“I was intimidated. I didn’t know if I would be comfortable in that kind of setting, but I wanted to try something that I had never tried,” she admitted in an interview with SI.

“I would regret it a lot if I let my insecurities or my reservations hold me back from it.”

Her decision to step out of her comfort zone earned instant praise from former LSU teammates and friends who know her drive and determination well.

Angel Reese, who played alongside Van Lith during the 2023-24 season at LSU, commented on the post with playful affection, writing: “well excuse me miss ma’am”

Fellow LSU athlete and rising model Olivia Dunne, who also appeared in the SI Swimsuit issue, was quick to chime in with her own excitement: “omgggg”

Van Lith caps college career with style and strength

Van Lith didn’t just wow off the court-she made her final college season count in a big way. After transferring to Texas Christian University for her fifth and final year of NCAA eligibility, Van Lith helped power the Horned Frogs to their best postseason finish in over a decade.

In a memorable Sweet 16 win over Notre Dame on March 29, Van Lith dropped 26 points, including a clutch 12-point fourth quarter, to send TCU to the Elite Eight for the first time since 2010. Although TCU eventually fell to Texas, Van Lith‘s leadership and scoring made her one of the standout performers of March Madness.

Reese again showed her support for her former teammate with a simple but meaningful post on X (formerly Twitter): “HVL.”

The timing of her SI feature couldn’t be more fitting, as Van Lith now turns her focus to the 2025 WNBA Draft on April 15. With the Chicago Sky holding the No. 10 pick-and with Reese already on the roster-there’s growing speculation that the dynamic duo could reunite in the pros.

As for her modeling debut, Van Lith is the latest athlete to blur the lines between sports and fashion. Following in the footsteps of icons like Serena Williams and more recently Caitlin Clark, she’s carving out a space for athletes to express their full identities beyond the box score.

For Van Lith, stepping in front of the camera is just another way to show her strength.

“I wanted to do something bold,” she said. “Something that represented the confidence I’ve earned through my journey.”

Whether she’s hitting game-winners or gracing magazine covers, Hailey Van Lith continues to shine-and the world is taking notice.