The Big Lead

TCU star Hailey Van Lith bravely opens up about mental health struggles

Hailey Van Lith opened up about her struggles with mental health throughout her college basketball career and how TCU has renewed her passion.

By Josh Sanchez

TCU Horned Frogs guard Hailey Van Lith shoots the ball against the West Virginia Mountaineers.
TCU Horned Frogs guard Hailey Van Lith shoots the ball against the West Virginia Mountaineers. / Amy Kontras-Imagn Images
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Hailey Van Lith has seen a career rejuvenation during her time with the TCU Horned Frogs. After starring at Louisville, Van Lith made the move to the defending national champion LSU Tigers.

Things didn't go as planned under Kim Mulkey, with Van Lith never finding her groove as she tried out a new position.

She decided to finish her college career at TCU, and it has been an overwhelming success.

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Van Lith and the Horned Frogs went 34-3 on the year and earned a No. 2 seed in the NCAA Tournament. Over the weekend, HVL helped lift TCU to a big win over her former team, Louisville, to advance to the Sweet 16.

TCU Horned Frogs guard Hailey Van Lith handles the ball against the Baylor Lady Bears.
TCU Horned Frogs guard Hailey Van Lith handles the ball against the Baylor Lady Bears. / Amy Kontras-Imagn Images

Van Lith recorded 16 points, five rebounds, and 10 assists.

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After the game, Van Lith was an open book with reporters and shared her personal journey throughout her college career, speaking about her mental health and how her time at TCU has helped her find a new joy for the game.

It's a rare glimpse at what athletes go through off of the court.

Now that Van Lith has found her new motivation and love for the game, she's hoping to take TCU on a deep run in the tournament.

Up next for the Horned Frogs is a Sweet 16 showdown against another powerhouse, No. 3 seed Notre Dame. The game will go down on Saturday, March 29, at Legacy Arena at the BJCC in Birmingham, Alabama.

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