Hailey Van Lith made headlines last season when she left LSU — and with it, her high-profile on-court dynamic with Angel Reese. Many thought the two had gone their separate ways for good. But in a shocking twist of fate, the 2025 WNBA Draft just reunited them under the same roof.

WNBA Fans Saddened After Hailey Van Lith's Reaction to Rejoining Angel Reese - Yahoo Sports

Van Lith was selected by the Chicago Sky, the very team that also drafted Angel Reese just one year earlier. The moment fans saw the pick come through, social media exploded with reactions — everything from “LOL” to “This is about to be must-watch TV.”

And let’s be honest: it’s not just about basketball anymore — it’s about the vibe, the tension, and whether these two former teammates can now co-exist at the professional level.

Hailey Van Lith Makes Opinion of Angel Reese Extremely Clear After WNBA Draft - Yahoo Sports

 Hailey “Escaped” Once — But Not This Time

Let’s rewind: When Van Lith transferred from Louisville to LSU, she joined a roster stacked with talent — including the reigning NCAA champion Angel Reese. From the outside, it looked like a super team in the making.

But inside? Things weren’t exactly smooth. The chemistry never fully clicked, and both players had strong personalities that didn’t always align. On the court, Hailey played off the ball more than ever before. Off the court, the spotlight often focused on Reese — leaving Van Lith in a more muted role than she was used to.

Latest WNBA draft projections as Angel Reese, Hailey Van Lith face key decisions

After one year, Van Lith entered the transfer portal again. It looked like a clear move to get space and redefine herself outside Angel Reese’s looming shadow.

Now? The universe just spun the block.

 Fans React: “She Can’t Escape the Reese Cinematic Universe”

The internet had a field day after the Sky’s draft pick:

Angel Reese's 1-Word Reaction to Sky's Hailey Van Lith WNBA Draft Pick Says It All

🗣️ “Hailey really thought she was free 😭”
🗣️ “Reese x Van Lith Season 2 bout to be BET drama levels.”
🗣️ “From rivals to teammates again — the WNBA knew what they were doing.”

And maybe they did.

The Sky didn’t just draft for talent — they drafted for star power, storylines, and energy. And few rookie pairings have as much unspoken tension and history as these two.

Hailey Van Lith Predicted to Reunite with Former LSU Teammate on Rising WNBA Team | Yardbarker

 Can They Actually Work Together?

Let’s talk basketball for a second. Despite the noise, this pairing could work on paper:

Angel Reese is a dominant rebounder and interior force.

Hailey Van Lith is a gritty guard who can space the floor and create her own shot.

Both are high-IQ players, relentless competitors, and used to the big stage.

 

If they can find mutual respect and leave the past in the past, the Sky could have one of the most electric rookie duos in the league.

But that’s a big “if.”

Angel Reese broke down in tears and was consoled by Hailey Van Lith after crushing Caitlin Clark defeat | talkSPORT

 What’s At Stake?

This season is a crossroads for both players:

Angel Reese wants to prove she’s not just a social media star — but a long-term WNBA cornerstone.

Hailey Van Lith wants to show the world she’s still that girl — and not just a role player in someone else’s story.

If they gel? Chicago could become a problem in the East.

If they clash again? Expect fireworks — and not the fun kind.

 Final Word

The basketball gods clearly have a sense of humor. After a dramatic split in college, Hailey Van Lith and Angel Reese are back together — and the WNBA just got way more interesting because of it.

Whether they become the next great duo or just the next headline is up to them.

One thing is for sure:
The Chicago Sky just became the league’s most-watched reality show — and we’ve got front-row seats.