The All-American guard arrived at the gateway in April following three seasons with the Cardinals, eventually joining LSU.
Louisville, Ky. – Hailey Van Lith surprised the women’s college basketball world when she decided to transfer in April. On Monday, the All-American guard explained why she left Louisville after three years with the Cardinals.
In an interview with Bleacher Report’s Taylor Rooks, Van Lith claimed that her decision to leave UofL was motivated by “her ability to be happy,” and that she “wasn’t enjoying everyday life” with the Cardinals.
“It came down to my ability to be happy, and I had to put myself first,” she told Rooks when asked what the primary reason for her choice to transfer was. “I had done my part by sacrificing myself and giving my all to that program. But, at the end of the day, I was just not enjoying my daily existence. It was a scenario in which I decided that I deserved happiness.
Despite Louisville’s struggles throughout the 2022–23 season, Van Lith had a stellar year as a junior. She averaged a career high 19.7 points, 3.2 assists, and 4.5 rebounds per game. Her 729 total points scored during the 2022-23 season were the fifth-highest in program history, with a scoring average that ranked seventh in one season. The 5-foot-7 guard was named First-Team All-ACC and honorable mention to the Associated Press All-American team.
The Cardinals finished 26-12 overall, their first double-digit loss season in 11 years, but that was enough to secure Louisville’s fifth consecutive berth in the Elite Eight. As a sophomore the year before, Van Lith helped UofL reach the Final Four. She scored at least 20 points in eight of Louisville’s nine NCAA Tournament games over the two seasons.
Van Lith was encountering personal and team challenges at Louisville, and she also claims that some of her “deepest lows” occurred while she was a member of the Cardinals.
“It was a really hard decision [to transfer],” Van Lith told Rooks. “My best pals in my life I met at Louisville. I attended a Final Four, which I shared with those coaches and teammates. Some of my greatest highs, as well as my worst lows, have occurred there.I suppose I was at the point where I thought I had learnt what I needed to know from that scenario and environment, and I was giving myself permission to leave and pursue something better for me.”
The Wenatchee, Washington native eventually committed to LSU in late April. Led by head coach Kim Mulkey and fellow All-American Angel Reese, the Tigers won their first national championship this season.
Van Lith made it clear that she did not regret attending Louisville, but she also reiterated her intention to join the defending national champs.
“I know in my heart that I made the right decision for me and my family, and for women’s basketball in general,” she told reporters. “I don’t regret traveling to Louisville. My experience there has made me a much better player and person. But, as I have stated, I have allowed myself the grace and opportunity to find something better.”
Van Lith was one of five Louisville players who entered the transfer portal. The Cardinals will return only Olivia Cochran, Merissah Russell, Alexia Mobley, and Nyla Harris, as the program graduates six seniors.
