It wasn’t just the matchup between the Chicago Sky and Connecticut Sun that had fans talking on Wednesday night. Rookie guard Hailey Van Lith made her entrance in a bold, head-turning look that instantly became one of the most talked-about moments of the evening.
Hailey Van Lith steals the spotlight with a confident arrival before the Sky-Sun game
Before warmups began, the Sky posted their traditional pre-game arrival shots, but Van Lith’s outfit was the one fans couldn’t scroll past. She rocked a cropped denim jacket with a boxy cut, layered over a sleek deep-V black bralette. Her wide-legged beige culottes offered a clean, modern contrast, while a leopard-print waistband detail peeked through just enough to catch the eye.
CT📍@redlobster | #skytown pic.twitter.com/5kQZaGyjvE
— Chicago Sky (@chicagosky) August 13, 2025
A tunnel walk worth talking about
Finishing the look were tall, pointed brown leather boots that brought height and sharp structure, making the whole fit both relaxed and commanding at the same time. Social media lit up with reactions ranging from flame emojis to praise for her creativity and confidence.
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From college star to WNBA rookie
Van Lith didn’t arrive in Chicago quietly. Drafted in 2025 after a high-profile college career, she came into the league with a reputation for scoring bursts, relentless energy, and an almost stubborn competitiveness that made her a leader long before she turned pro.
Her transition to the WNBA hasn’t been without bumps. Early-season ankle trouble sidelined her for multiple games, forcing her to watch as her team battled through a grueling stretch. Even so, her court presence and quick offensive spark have made her a player Sky fans believe can be part of the team’s long-term turnaround.
Playing through the grind
Heading into Wednesday’s game, Van Lith was listed as probable due to lingering ankle soreness but was cleared to play right before tip-off. It’s a small but telling detail for a rookie determined to carve out her role, even on a Sky roster fighting to avoid the bottom of the standings.
While the fashion moment will get its fair share of attention, the reality is Van Lith is balancing the off-court brand-building with the hard reality of a challenging rookie season. For a team that’s been short on good news, her return and her energy, might be exactly what Chicago needs in the final stretch.
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