By Adam, Senior Sports Correspondent — April 15, 2025
As the 2025 WNBA Draft unfolded under the bright lights of New York City, one of the night’s most touching moments came not from the podium — but from the heart.
Hailey Van Lith, selected 11th overall by the Chicago Sky, shared an emotional embrace with her boyfriend, NBA player Jalen Suggs, just moments after hearing her name called. The gesture, caught on camera by eagle-eyed fans and broadcast clips alike, quickly went viral — a moment of joy, relief, and love that transcended the basketball court.
A Long-Awaited Journey to the WNBA
For Van Lith, the moment marked the culmination of a college journey full of pivots, perseverance, and pressure. The 23-year-old guard began her collegiate career at Louisville before transferring to LSU, where she teamed up with fellow star Angel Reese for the 2023–24 season. After another transfer — this time to TCU — she delivered her most complete season yet, showcasing her scoring, leadership, and tenacity on both ends of the floor.
With the 11th pick, the Chicago Sky saw in Van Lith what scouts had long admired: a fierce competitor with deep playoff experience, the heart of a leader, and a chip on her shoulder.
“She’s a winner,” one WNBA executive said. “She brings fire, confidence, and a sense of urgency every time she steps on the floor.”
A Reunion with Angel Reese
Van Lith now rejoins Angel Reese in Chicago, forming a familiar and fiery backcourt-frontcourt duo. Their time together at LSU was brief but impactful, and the chemistry they built in Baton Rouge may prove invaluable as the Sky enter a rebuilding phase.
“This is going to be fun,” Reese wrote on Instagram shortly after the pick. “Let’s get it, sis.”
The Sky, who are looking to bounce back after missing the playoffs in 2024, are banking on that LSU magic to spark a new chapter in their franchise’s history.
A Star Off the Court, Too
But Van Lith’s moment wasn’t just about basketball. As ESPN cameras rolled, she first embraced her parents in a tearful hug before walking onstage to accept her jersey from WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert. Then came the moment fans can’t stop talking about: a warm, quiet kiss from Jalen Suggs — the Orlando Magic guard and former Gonzaga star — who has been by her side throughout the draft process.
The clip, later shared widely across social media, showed Suggs whispering something in Van Lith’s ear before the two smiled and held each other tightly. It was a rare glimpse into the personal lives of two young athletes at the height of their professional dreams, and fans were quick to celebrate the display of support.
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What Van Lith Brings to Chicago
On the court, Van Lith brings grit, scoring instinct, and a clutch gene honed over years of high-stakes NCAA play. Though some questioned her draft stock after her transfers, her strong finish at TCU reasserted her value.
In a league that’s becoming faster, more dynamic, and increasingly guard-driven, Van Lith fits the mold of the modern combo guard — capable of handling the ball, spacing the floor, and applying relentless on-ball pressure.
“She’s going to surprise people,” said one former coach. “She’s built for the pro game.”
The Road Ahead
With training camps set to open in a matter of weeks, Van Lith will now shift from celebrating to preparing. But with the support of her family, her new teammate Angel Reese, and her NBA boyfriend Jalen Suggs, the transition to the pros looks a little less daunting.
And while the WNBA season will be filled with challenges, one thing’s for sure: Van Lith has already scored one of the biggest wins of the draft night — both on and off the court.