Hailey Van Lith Reportedly Claimed by Sun After Sky Exit, Updated Roster Ahead of WNBA Season

It didn't take long for Hailey Van Lith to find her new WNBA home.

After the Chicago Sky waived her Monday, ESPN's Alexa Philippou and Kendra Andrews reported Wednesday that the Connecticut Sun claimed her off waivers. There is a connection in place, as Sun president Jen Rizzotti coached Van Lith with USA 3x3 basketball.

She will join a Connecticut roster that, as of Wednesday, includes the following players, per the team's official website.

• Gianna Kneepkens
• Raegan Beers
• Nell Angloma
• Charlisse Leger-Walker
• Taylor Bigby
• Diamond Miller
• Shey Peddy
• Aaliyah Edwards
• Olivia Nelson-Ododa
• Madison Hayes
• Kennedy Burke
• Saniya Rivers
• Aneesah Morrow
• Brittney Griner
• Leila Lacan

It was notable Chicago moved on from the Louisville, LSU and TCU product after just one season since she was the No. 11 overall pick in the 2025 WNBA draft, but Andrews reported it was a "style of play preference" from the team.

Chicago also added guard Natasha Cloud on Monday while bringing in guards Skylar Diggins, DiJonai Carrington, Jacy Sheldon and Gabriela Jaquez this offseason.

There wasn't much room for Van Lith in the rotation, and the team responded accordingly.

While Van Lith was a Big 12 Player of the Year, All-American and two-time All-ACC selection during her memorable collegiate career, she was a secondary contributor as a rookie for the Sky.

She averaged 3.5 points and 1.6 assists in 12.4 minutes per game while shooting 33.9 percent from the field and 16.1 percent from deep.

Ideally for Van Lith, she can play her way into a larger role after joining the Sun. She will likely come off the bench, but more experience at the WNBA level could help her take a second-year leap and play with more consistency in a new location.

Connecticut starts its season Friday on the road against the New York Liberty before its home opener against the Seattle Storm on Sunday. Its first game against the Sky will come on the road on June 5, which will give Van Lith an opportunity to play against her former team.