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Hailey Van Lith #2 of the Chicago Sky looks on against the Atlanta Dream during the first half at Wintrust Arena on July 16, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois.
The Chicago Sky released guard Hailey Van Lith on Monday despite a couple of strong performances in the preseason.
Coach Tyler Marsh explained the decision as a matter of “numbers” and called it “tough” to let Van Lith go. The Sky replaced her with veteran guard Natasha Cloud, who signed a one-year deal.
It didn’t take long for the Connecticut Sun to make their move and claim Van Lith off waivers.
“Today, the Connecticut Sun announced that the team has been awarded Hailey Van Lith on a waiver claim. Per team policy, details of the contract were not announced,” the team statement read.
According to ESPN’s Alexa Philippou, Van Lith has strong connections in Connecticut. Team president Jen Rizzotti was her coach for Team USA’s 3×3 basketball at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
GettyHailey Van Lith #2 of the Chicago Sky brings the ball up court in the third quarter of a preseason game against the Atlanta Dream at Wintrust Arena on April 29, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois.
Here are some of the reactions from WNBA personalities and analysts regarding HVL joining the youth movement in Connecticut.
Point Made Joshua: “The Connecticut Sun are a model franchise in terms of how they approach low-risk, high-reward signings. They have no problem rolling the dice and betting on upside, which is in stark contrast to other teams that operate with short sightedness.”
Grant Young: “There’s immediate opportunity in the backcourt, familiarity with Jennifer Rizzotti, and HVL’s name value can help the Sun find their identity moving forward.”
Michael Shapiro: “Future Houston Comets guard Hailey Van Lith? Connecticut didn’t share contract details for the former TCU star, fwiw. Might simply be a one-year deal.”
Grégoire MBV: Sun backcourt rotation: Saniya Rivers (I love her), Leila Lacan (I love her), Hailey Van Lith (I’m very curious). Well, that racks up some likeability points for sure.”
Eddie Maisonet, III: “Houston Comets about to have Juju and HLV in the backcourt in 2027?”
Deyscha “Sway” Smith: “HVL is a perfect fit for the Sun. Rachid Meziane has really emphasized energy and intensity, but he also wants to allow everyone, especially his young players, to grow and develop while playing more freely.”
For those wondering about the Houston comments, the Sun are set to relocate next season. They are playing their final year at Connecticut.
GettyAaliyah Edwards #8 of the Connecticut Sun shoots a free throw against the Toronto Tempo during the preseason game at Coca-Cola Coliseum on April 29, 2026 in Toronto, Canada.
The Sun have built a young core since last season, and they have strengthened it by adding Hailey Van Lith. HVL joins rookies Gianna Kneepens and Charlisse Leger-Walker, Aaliyah Edwards, Saniya Rivers, Aneesah Morrow and Leila Lacan.
There are going to be growing pains under new coach Rachid Meziane, but there will be veterans to help the process. The Sun signed Brittney Griner, Shey Peddy and Kennedy Burke.
Other players on the roster include Raegan Beers, Nell Angloma, Diamond Miller, Ashlon Jackson and Olivia Nelson-Ododa.
Juan Paolo David Juan Paolo David is a sports journalist covering basketball for Heavy. He has a decade of experience writing about the NBA and WWE. He's currently based in the Philippines. More about Juan Paolo David
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