Chicago Sky Coach Facing Backlash for Hailey Van Lith Decision Against Indiana Fever
The Chicago Sky selected Hailey Van Lith with the No. 11 overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft. She was a standout guard at Louisville and TCU, and she also overlapped with forward Angel Reese for a season at LSU.
While not many expected her to be a starter, most felt that her preseason performances warranted a solid spot in the rotation. However, new head coach Tyler Marsh chose not to play her in the first half of the season opener against the Indiana Fever.
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Van Lith already has quite the following early in her WNBA career, and fans were not happy about Marsh's choice.
The Sky entered halftime down 13 points, and several of the team's guards did not perform well in the first 20 minutes. Some fans had knee-jerk reactions to Marsh's decision to not sub Van Lith into the game despite the team's struggles.
"Ngl Tyler Marsh gotta play Hailey Van Lith," said one fan.
"Yea Chicago Sky offense need some life," another fan added. "Hailey Van Lith might need some tick."
"Van Lith can't be worse than these other guards," a fan chimed in.
"Hard to imagine that playing Hailey Van Lith wouldn't have the Sky in a better position right now," another fan said.
Chicago Sky guard Hailey Van Lith (2).Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
Other fans were more confused and angry about the decision.
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"I thought Hailey Van Lith was hurt or something lol… she's just not getting any tick? WITH THIS GUARD PLAY 🤨," said one fan.
"& how Hailey Van Lith ain't getting no burn I know she shoot better than them other chicks smh 🤦🏾♂️ #WNBA," another added.
"Van Lith needs some minutes," a fan chimed in. "Idk if they think shes not ready but when Sloot is clearly having an off game you need something to change."
"I watched Kia Nurse on my sparks. She's not it," another said. "I'd rather Van Lith learn from her mistakes early in her career because the sky isn't going anywhere this year."
Related: WNBA Fans in Disbelief Over Caitlin Clark Pass Against Chicago Sky
Related: WNBA Fans in Disbelief Over Caitlin Clark's First Shot Against Chicago Sky
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