Hailey Van Lith, the electrifying TCU basketball standout, has just added a dazzling new chapter to her already impressive story by gracing the digital cover of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit. Fresh off a record-breaking college career, the 23-year-old Washington native is proving she’s not just a force on the court but a rising icon off it. With her fierce athleticism, unshakeable confidence, and a knack for defying expectations, Van Lith’s leap from hardwood to high fashion is turning heads and sparking conversations everywhere.
HVL: A Legacy Written in Records
On the court, Van Lith—known to fans as HVL—has been a game-changer. This past season, she led the TCU Horned Frogs to their first-ever Elite Eight appearance, a historic milestone for the program. Averaging 17.9 points, 5.4 assists, and 4.6 rebounds per game, she played with a tenacity that earned her the Big 12 Player of the Year title, along with Newcomer of the Year and Championship MVP honors. Her journey’s been anything but ordinary—she’s the first player, man or woman, to hit the Elite Eight five times across three schools: Louisville, LSU, and TCU. From setting TCU’s single-season scoring record with 663 points to snagging a bronze medal in 3x3 basketball at the Paris Olympics, Van Lith’s resume screams superstar. Now, with the WNBA draft looming, she’s poised to take her talents to the pros, projected as a top-10 pick.
High Fashion Meets Hardwood
But it’s her off-court moves that are stealing the spotlight right now. Sports Illustrated Swimsuit tapped Van Lith for their April digital cover, shot in Fort Worth, Texas, where she swapped her jersey for sleek swimsuits and bodysuits. Rocking looks from brands like Saint Laurent and Vitamin A Swim, she brought her athletic edge to the shoot, posing with a sparkly Big 12 basketball that had fans guessing her identity before the big reveal. “I felt sexy, cute, and athletic,” she said in a promo clip, radiating a vibe that’s all about owning her strength and beauty. The cover’s not just a flex—it’s a statement that athletes can shine in any arena they choose, and Van Lith’s making it loud and clear.
Fans Cheer, Critics Chime In
The reaction’s been a mix of cheers and chatter. Fans are eating it up, flooding social media with praise for her bold move. “HVL’s killing it on and off the court—this is how you build a legacy,” one supporter posted online. Her 1.3 million Instagram followers, along with a $1.1 million NIL valuation from deals with Apple Cash, LaCroix, and Adidas, show she’s already a marketing powerhouse. But not everyone’s on board—some grumble that the glitzy shoot might overshadow her hoops legacy or invite unfair scrutiny, like what other blonde athletes have faced in the pros. Still, Van Lith’s no stranger to pushing past doubters, and she’s leaning into this moment with zero apologies.
Built on Grit, Fueled by Legacy
What’s driving her? A mix of grit and heart. Raised in Cashmere, Washington, she grew up training under her dad, Corey, a former college athlete, and drew inspiration from hoops legends like Diana Taurasi. Mentored by Kobe Bryant himself, she carried his work ethic onto the court, becoming Washington’s all-time leading high school scorer and a McDonald’s All-American. Her college path wasn’t always smooth—her time at LSU had ups and downs, including a tough Elite Eight loss to Iowa that tanked her draft stock and sparked online shade. But Van Lith bounced back at TCU, rediscovering her swagger and proving she thrives when she’s true to herself. “I had to decide to be me, fully, or try to be someone else,” she’s said, reflecting on the journey that’s shaped her into the woman rocking that SI cover.
From court to cover, her game is unmatched...
Meet #SISwimsuit’s digital star, the 2025 Big 12 Player of the Year, @haileyvanlith 🏀#SISwim25 #DigitalCover #HVL #Revealed #BeLegendary pic.twitter.com/wDvrwJIVSQ
A New Era for Women’s Sports Icons
This cover’s more than a one-off—it’s a sign of where women’s sports are headed. With stars like Angel Reese and Cameron Brink also gracing SI Swimsuit in recent years, it’s clear the magazine’s betting big on athletes who can cross into pop culture. For Van Lith, it’s a chance to show you can be tough and glamorous, competitive and creative, all at once. As she gears up for the WNBA, where she’ll likely bring her fiery game and massive following, this moment’s a reminder: she’s not just playing the game—she’s rewriting it.
Whether you’re rooting for her to dominate the pros or just vibing with her SI glow-up, one thing’s for sure: Hailey Van Lith’s story is far from over, and she’s making every chapter count. Catch her cover now, and keep an eye on this star—she’s only getting brighter.