Hailey Van Lith’s TCU Faces Louisville in Highly Anticipated NCAA Tournament Showdown
The stage is set for a compelling narrative as TCU superstar Hailey Van Lith prepares to face her former team, the Louisville Cardinals, in the second round of the 2025 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament. The matchup promises to be a captivating contest, brimming with storylines and individual player motivations.
TCU, entering the tournament as a No. 2 seed, advanced to the second round after a dominant 73-51 victory over Fairleigh Dickinson. The Horned Frogs showcased their depth and talent, demonstrating why they are considered a legitimate contender in this year’s tournament.
Meanwhile, Louisville secured their spot in the round of 32 with a hard-fought 63-58 win against Nebraska. The Cardinals displayed resilience and grit, overcoming a determined Nebraska team to set up the highly anticipated clash with TCU. Adding intrigue to the game was Van Lith herself, present to observe her former team.
The game is scheduled for Sunday at 6 p.m. ET at Schollmaier Arena in Fort Worth, Texas. ESPN will provide live television coverage. The winner will advance to the Sweet 16 to face either No. 3 Notre Dame or No. 6 Michigan.
Van Lith’s history with Louisville adds an extra layer of intrigue to the game. She spent the first three seasons of her collegiate career with the Cardinals, where she established herself as one of the nation’s premier players. During her time at Louisville, Van Lith led the Cardinals to two Elite Eight appearances (2021, 2023) and a Final Four appearance (2022). She was a key contributor to the team’s success, showcasing her scoring prowess, athleticism, and leadership skills.
Following her successful stint at Louisville, Van Lith made a surprising transfer to LSU in 2023, the reigning national champion. However, her season with the Tigers did not live up to expectations. She struggled to find her rhythm within the team’s system and her individual performance declined.
After one season at LSU, Van Lith sought a fresh start and transferred to TCU. This move has proven to be a turning point in her career. At TCU, Van Lith has rediscovered her form and is thriving in her new environment. She has quickly become the focal point of the Horned Frogs’ offense, leading the team in scoring and providing a veteran presence.
This season, Van Lith has been instrumental in TCU’s remarkable success. She was named Big 12 Player of the Year after averaging 17.9 points per game and shooting a career-high 45.9% from the field. Her contributions have been vital in the Horned Frogs winning their first regular season title, first conference tournament title, and first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2010. The team also achieved its highest seeding in program history.
A victory against Louisville on Sunday would mark another significant milestone for TCU, as it would give the team its first-ever Sweet 16 appearance. The Horned Frogs are eager to capitalize on their successful season and advance further in the NCAA Tournament.
Van Lith, however, is downplaying the narrative of a revenge game or a personal vendetta against Louisville. As quoted, “It is what it is,” reflecting a maturity and focus on the present. While acknowledging her history with the program, she is emphasizing her commitment to TCU and her desire to help her current team achieve their goals.
A Closer Look at Van Lith’s Collegiate Journey
Hailey Van Lith’s five-year college career has been a dynamic and evolving journey, marked by significant achievements, unexpected turns, and a persistent pursuit of excellence.
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Louisville (2021-2023): Van Lith’s arrival at Louisville heralded the arrival of a new star in women’s college basketball. From her freshman year, she showcased her scoring prowess, athleticism, and competitive spirit. She quickly became a key contributor to the Cardinals’ success, leading them to multiple deep tournament runs.
- 2021: Elite Eight appearance
- 2022: Final Four appearance
- 2023: Elite Eight appearance
Van Lith’s time at Louisville was characterized by individual growth and team success, establishing her as one of the nation’s top players.
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LSU (2024): Van Lith’s transfer to LSU, the reigning national champion, was one of the most talked-about moves in the college basketball landscape. However, her season with the Tigers did not unfold as expected. She struggled to integrate into the team’s system and her individual performance declined. While LSU made it to the Elite Eight, they lost to Caitlin Clark and Iowa, and Hailey did not make a sizable impact.
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TCU (2025): Van Lith’s transfer to TCU represents a resurgence in her career. She has embraced her role as the team’s leader and has thrived in the Horned Frogs’ system. She has rediscovered her scoring touch and has been instrumental in TCU’s remarkable success this season.
- Big 12 Player of the Year: Recognized for her outstanding performance and contributions to TCU’s success.
- First regular season title, conference tournament title, and NCAA Tournament appearance since 2010: Led TCU to unprecedented achievements.
- Highest seeding in program history: Guided the Horned Frogs to new heights.
The Road Ahead
The game against Louisville presents a significant challenge for TCU, but it also represents an opportunity to make history. A win would propel the Horned Frogs into the Sweet 16 for the first time in program history. Van Lith will be the key to their success. Her ability to score, create opportunities for her teammates, and provide leadership will be crucial in overcoming the Cardinals.
The winner of TCU-Louisville will face a tough opponent in the Sweet 16, either Notre Dame or Michigan. Both teams are highly skilled and well-coached, and they will present a formidable challenge for the advancing team.
Regardless of the outcome, this game has the potential to be a defining moment in Van Lith’s career. It is an opportunity for her to showcase her growth as a player and a leader. It is also an opportunity for her to prove that she has found her place at TCU and that she is capable of leading the Horned Frogs to unprecedented success.
