From College Teammates to Rivals — The Drama Unfolds Between Two of the WNBA’s Brightest Stars

The drama surrounding Angel Reese and Hailey Van Lith has just hit a boiling point, and it’s officially gone public.
What was once a friendship between former teammates at LSU is now a full-blown rivalry after a shocking exchange between the two that has WNBA fans on the edge of their seats.

She was really distant from everybody else": Former LSU star Angel Reese discusses her relationship with Hailey Van Lith as teammates

Let’s break down what went down and how the drama between Reese and Van Lith is threatening to tear apart more than just their relationship.

 The Spark: A Tense Reunion at the WNBA Draft

Everything seemed fine when Hailey Van Lith was drafted by the New York Liberty and Angel Reese joined the Indiana Fever. After all, they had played together at LSU, leading their team to glory with a perfect blend of chemistry on and off the court.

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But things took a dramatic turn during the WNBA Draft media events.

During a casual conversation between teammates turned rivals, Angel Reese made a public comment that set social media ablaze. When asked about her former LSU teammate Hailey’s transition to the league, Reese responded with:

“Hailey’s got a lot to prove. She wasn’t the best fit for LSU, and she’s gonna have to prove herself with New York, no matter how much hype she’s getting.”

That stung. And Van Lith, who has always been known for her intense, take-no-prisoners mentality, didn’t take it lightly.

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Hailey Van Lith Fires Back: “Not Her Place to Talk”

Shortly after Reese’s comments, Van Lith posted a cryptic tweet that said:

“Some people really think they can talk on things they know nothing about. I’ll keep my focus on proving them wrong.”

Fans immediately caught on that this was aimed squarely at Reese, and the beef was on.

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Now, instead of being celebrated as “teammates” in the WNBA, the two are becoming rivals. But it wasn’t just about the comment — it was about the underlying tension that’s been bubbling since their LSU days.

 The Tension: A History of Differences

While the two were a force on the court at LSU, rumors of off-court friction have been circulating for a while. Reese’s outspoken and bold personality has sometimes clashed with Van Lith’s more reserved yet fiercely competitive nature.

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According to sources close to the team, there was growing tension between the two stars during their final season together, with Van Lith feeling overshadowed by Reese’s dominant presence and the attention she garnered.

On the other hand, Reese has always been vocal about her belief that she’s the true leader of the team, often taking charge in big moments, while some of her teammates (including Hailey) weren’t as comfortable stepping into the spotlight.

 The Rivalry: On-Court Drama Looms

 

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The rivalry between Reese and Van Lith isn’t just a media spectacle — it’s going to spill over onto the court.

Both players are known for their killer instincts and drive to win. Reese, with her unstoppable presence in the paint and ability to dominate, has become one of the most talked-about players in the league. Meanwhile, Van Lith’s sharpshooting and playmaking skills make her a key asset for the Liberty.

When the two meet on the court during the upcoming WNBA season, fans are expecting fireworks. This rivalry is about more than just a former friendship; it’s about two alpha athletes fighting for dominance in the league — and neither of them is backing down.

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 The Fan Reactions: Split Between Supporters

As expected, the fanbase is divided. Some believe Reese is just speaking the truth and that Hailey Van Lith will have to prove herself in the WNBA. Others are backing Hailey, feeling that Reese’s comments were unwarranted and petty.

“Hailey’s been carrying her team for years. Angel needs to stay in her lane.”

“Reese needs to stop trying to stir up drama. She’s just mad Hailey’s getting all the hype now.”

“This rivalry is exactly what the WNBA needs to boost attention!”

 

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As the drama unfolds, it’s clear that fans are loving the spectacle, and the tension between Reese and Van Lith is only going to make their games even more anticipated.

 Final Thoughts: Is This Just the Beginning?

With the season fast approaching, Angel Reese and Hailey Van Lith are officially at odds, and their rivalry is already one of the hottest storylines in the WNBA.

 

This is the kind of drama the league thrives on — and whether or not the two can bury the hatchet remains to be seen. But one thing is for sure: this beef will play out both on and off the court.