TCU guard Hailey Van Lith was the only Big 12 women’s player taken in the first round of the 2025 WNBA Draft in New York City on Monday.
Van Lith went No. 11 overall, to the Chicago Sky. The Sky traded up to select her and it reunites her with her former LSU teammate, forward Angel Reese.
“I want to take this dream as far as I can,” Van Lith said during ESPN’s broadcast.
Van Lith is the only player in basketball history to take three different programs to the Elite Eight. She helped lead the Horned Frogs to their first appearance in the Elite Eight, along with the program’s first Big 12 regular-season and tournament title.
She set TCU single season records for points (680) and assists (204) and holds the NCAA record for games started (172) and minutes played (5,692). She was named an all-American, the Big 12 player of the year and the Big 12 newcomer of the year.
The No. 1 overall pick was UConn star Paige Bueckers, who was selected by the Dallas Wings.
The Big 12 had to wait until the third round but saw four more players selected. The round started with Kansas State guard Serena Sundell picked by the Seattle Storm at No. 26 overall. Sundell, who led the Wildcats to the Sweet 16, was an All-Big 12 selection in her senior season.
With the next pick, West Virginia’s JJ Quinerly was selected by the Dallas Wings. She was one of the top defenders in the nation and earned the Big 12 defensive player of the year award. She leaves the Mountaineers as one of the best players in program history.
At No. 29 overall, TCU guard Madison Conner joined Sundell in Seattle. Conner played two seasons for TCU and was one of the top 3-point threats in the country. She was also named All-Big 12 this past season.
Baylor forward Aaronette Vonleh was selected No. 31 by Dallas. Vonleh played one season at Baylor but was the answer the Bears needed inside and earned All-Big 12 honors in her only campaign with the program and in the conference.
You can find Matthew Postins on Twitter @PostinsPostcard.
