TCU Basketball Star Shines in Stunning Photoshoot Following Historic College Career

Fort Worth, Texas – TCU women’s basketball sensation Hailey Van Lith has added another accolade to her already impressive resume. On April 8, 2025, Sports Illustrated Swimsuit unveiled the 23-year-old as its digital cover model for the April edition, showcasing her transition from the hardwood to the spotlight of high fashion. The announcement, made just days after her collegiate career concluded, celebrates Van Lith’s athletic prowess and rising star power.

Van Lith, who recently wrapped up her fifth and final college season with the TCU Horned Frogs, has been a standout figure in women’s basketball. Leading TCU to a historic Elite Eight appearance in the 2025 NCAA Tournament—the program’s deepest run ever—she earned Big 12 Player of the Year honors and set single-season records for points (680) and assists (204). Now, she’s stepping off the court and into a new arena, gracing the digital pages of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit with a photoshoot captured by Taylor Ballantyne in Fort Worth.

“I feel sexy, cute, and athletic,” Van Lith said in a statement accompanying the reveal. “You can be strong and beautiful, and all athletes should feel empowered.” The shoot, presented by Batiste, highlights her confidence and versatility, blending her competitive edge with a fresh, glamorous look. From swimsuits by WeWoreWhat to high-fashion pieces by Saint Laurent, the images reflect her journey of self-discovery and strength.

The timing couldn’t be more perfect. With the WNBA Draft approaching in just over a week, Van Lith’s draft stock has soared, with projections placing her as a potential top-10 pick. Her $1.1 million On3 NIL valuation further underscores her marketability, making this cover a strategic spotlight moment as she prepares for the next chapter of her career. Adding to her off-court buzz, Van Lith’s boyfriend, Orlando Magic guard Jalen Suggs, cheered her on via Instagram, posting, “My girl’s a superstar—proud of you, HVL!” The couple, linked since 2024, continues to be a power duo in the sports world.

Fans and followers had speculated about her involvement after Sports Illustrated dropped a teaser on April 7, hinting at a Big 12 star with ties to Fort Worth. Social media buzzed with excitement, and the official reveal on April 8 confirmed what many had hoped: Hailey Van Lith is the face of the April 2025 digital issue.

Her path to this moment has been nothing short of remarkable. After standout stints at Louisville and LSU, Van Lith transferred to TCU for her final season, transforming a struggling program into a national contender. Off the court, she’s been open about her mental health journey, crediting TCU coach Mark Campbell for helping her rediscover her will and identity. Now, as she poses for Sports Illustrated, she’s embracing every facet of who she’s become.

“Hailey Van Lith is a force,” said SI Swimsuit editor-in-chief MJ Day. “Her intensity, her story, and her ability to inspire make her the perfect digital cover star for us. She’s not just an athlete—she’s a movement.”

As Van Lith prepares to take her talents to the WNBA, this cover serves as a bold statement: she’s ready to dominate, whether it’s on the court or in the world of fashion and influence. For now, fans can bask in her latest victory—proof that Hailey Van Lith’s game is, indeed, unmatched.