Hailey Van Lith is a bucket. That’s the first thing you need to know, even if you’re here because you saw her trending in a swimsuit. Whether she’s rocking the purple and white of TCU or sporting a designer bikini for a high-profile photo shoot, the 5-foot-7 guard from Washington remains one of the most polarizing and fascinating figures in modern sports.
She's tough.
When the Hailey Van Lith bathing suit photos first hit the internet as part of her Sports Illustrated Swimsuit debut in April 2025, the reaction was exactly what you’d expect: a chaotic mix of "shut up and dribble" traditionalists and fans who celebrated her for embracing a different side of her identity. But if you think this was just a vanity project, you’re missing the bigger picture of how NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) has fundamentally changed the career trajectory of female athletes.
Why the SI Swimsuit Debut Actually Mattered
Honestly, the timing of her Sports Illustrated shoot wasn't an accident. It dropped right as she was wrapping up a historic fifth collegiate season at TCU—where she basically rebuilt her reputation after a rough stint at LSU—and just days before the Chicago Sky snatched her up as the No. 11 overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft.
The shoot took place in Fort Worth, Texas. It wasn’t some tropical beach in the Maldives. It was gritty and modern, shot at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth by photographer Taylor Ballantyne.
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- The Look: She wore pieces from Saint Laurent, Frankies Bikinis, and WeWoreWhat.
- The Vibe: It wasn't just "beachy." It was high fashion mixed with an athletic physique that she’s spent two decades building.
- The Message: Van Lith has always been open about the pressure to look a certain way. She’s dealt with comments about her muscles, her height, and even her skin since she was 15.
"It’s hard when you’re that young," she told SI during the shoot. You're trying to figure out who you are while a million people on Instagram are telling you your thighs are too big or your hair is the wrong length. By doing the shoot, she sort of reclaimed that narrative.
Breaking Down the "HVL" Style
If you've followed HVL since her days at Louisville, you know she’s never been one to shy away from the spotlight. She has 1.3 million followers on Instagram for a reason. But the Hailey Van Lith bathing suit moment was a pivot point. It moved her from "college basketball star" to "global brand."
The styling featured a lot of floral prints and soft, bright hues, but the cover shot was the real talk of the town—a sleek Saint Laurent bodysuit that felt more like a superhero outfit than a traditional bikini. It highlighted her muscle tone, which is something she’s worked on with a sports psychologist to appreciate.
People forget she’s an Olympic medalist. She took home the bronze in 3x3 basketball at the Paris 2024 Games. You don't get those shoulders by accident.
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The TCU Redemption Arc
Before the draft and the magazine covers, there was the basketball. Most people thought her career was in a tailspin after LSU. Moving to TCU was a gamble.
It paid off.
She didn't just play; she dominated. She broke the TCU single-season records for points (683) and assists (204). She was named the Big 12 Player of the Year. She led the Horned Frogs to their first-ever Elite Eight. It’s important to remember this because the "bathing suit" searches often overshadow the fact that she is one of only five players in NCAA history to record 600 points and 200 assists in a single season.
Dealing With the Noise
Kinda feels like everyone has an opinion on her, right?
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She’s been called "too aggressive" on the court and "too focused on her brand" off it. But look at the numbers. Her NIL portfolio includes Apple Cash, LaCroix, and adidas. She’s a businesswoman who happens to be a lethal southpaw with a jump shot that makes defenders look silly.
The Sports Illustrated feature wasn't just about the photos. It was about her journey from being mentored by Kobe Bryant to becoming a pro. She’s the first player—man or woman—to reach five straight Elite Eights. That’s a level of consistency that most athletes only dream of.
What’s Next for Hailey Van Lith?
Now that she’s in Chicago, she’s reunited with her former LSU teammate Angel Reese. The "Barbie and the Baddie" narrative is back, but this time it’s professional.
Her rookie season with the Sky has been a transition. She’s playing fewer minutes (around 12.5 per game) and focusing on providing depth at the guard position. But if history tells us anything, she doesn't stay on the bench for long.
If you're following her career for the fashion, expect more high-end collaborations. If you're following for the hoops, expect her to eventually crack the starting lineup. She’s a worker.
Actionable Takeaways for Fans
- Watch the Tape: If you only know her from the SI photos, go watch her 26-point performance against Notre Dame in the Sweet 16. It’s a masterclass in mid-range scoring.
- Follow the Brand: Her Instagram isn't just photoshoots; she shares a lot about her mental health journey and working with a sports psychologist.
- Support the W: The 2025 WNBA season is seeing record-breaking viewership. Catching a Chicago Sky game is the best way to see if the hype matches the hustle.
She’s 23. She’s a pro. She’s an Olympian. And yeah, she looks great in a bathing suit, but she’d probably rather you talk about her assist-to-turnover ratio.