Heartbreak news:The head coach of Louisville cardinals women’s basketball has officially announced her leaving due to coming back of an all time player.
The All-American guard entered the portal in April after three seasons with the Cardinals, later joining LSU.
Louisville, Ky. – Another member of the Louisville women’s basketball program has decided to continue their collegiate career elsewhere, this time as a standout player. Hailey Van Lith, an All-American guard and 1,000-point scorer who helped the Cardinals to the Final Four in 2022, has submitted her name to the transfer portal, the program said Saturday.
“We thank Hailey for her contributions to this program, school, and community,” head coach Jeff Walz said in a statement. “She has done everything we have asked of her over the past three years, and we wish her the very best in her final collegiate season and beyond.”
Van Lith is the fifth Cardinal to enter the gateway this academic year. Sophomore guard Payton Verhulst achieved it in early December of 2022-23, freshman guards Jalyn Brown and Zyanna Walker did it immediately before the NCAA Tournament, and freshman forward Imani Lester did so last week. “It’s been an honor over the last three years to have had the opportunity to pour my passion and heart into Louisville,” Van Lith wrote on Instagram. “This city has had a wide-ranging impact on my life, shaping me into the person I am today. The Louisville community has given to me selflessly. I’ll never forget your steadfast support.
I only had positive memories of my stay in Louisville. The photographs below depict memories that will always live in my thoughts. This community will always be a part of my family, and I am eternally grateful for my time here.” The 5-7 junior has been one of Louisville’s most significant players throughout her three years with the club, as well as in women’s college basketball overall. She leaves the Cardinals with 1,553 career points, which ranks sixth in Division 1 among active non-seniors and 12th in program history.
