Hailey Van Lith Chooses Louisville
The state’s top prospect and Washington’s highest rated player nationally, regardless of class, has announced she will be attending the University of Louisville for the next four years. Hailey Van Lith has been recruited by the Cardinals dating back to her eighth grade year. Head Coach Jeff Walz personally recruited her and having Associate Head Coach Stephanie Norman never hurts, as she has strong Pacific Northwest ties.
The 5’7 point guard was reportedly down to Louisville and Baylor when making her final decision. Baylor made a very strong push over the last couple years, even bringing their entire staff to watch her play in the SunDome in Yakima. Louisville seemingly got an edge when Van Lith was chosen for the U19 USA National Team, coached by Jeff Walz. She made the team despite being just 17 years old and she saw plenty of court time, while helping USA to a Gold Medal.
The announcement was made today during a ceremony at Cashmere High School. Van Lith joins Olivia Cochran (Georgia), Merissah Russell (Canada) and Ahlana Smith who originally played at UCLA and will transfer in from Gulf Coast State College. Louisville is known for its elite level recruiting classes year after year and this 2020 class has proved to be no different with the addition of Van Lith.