
Hailey Van Lith was named USA Basketball’s 3x3 Female Athlete of the Year this week, according to TCU’s website. The recognition comes off the back of an unforgettable Olympic performance where Van Lith not only led Team USA in scoring but also helped secure a bronze medal in the 3x3 basketball competition at the Paris Olympics.
Van Lith’s journey to Olympic glory wasn’t easy. After a rocky start in pool play, Team USA bounced back with six wins in their final seven games, ultimately clinching the bronze medal. Van Lith was at the center of it all, leading her team with 47 points, a 53% shooting clip from beyond the arc, and 13 key assists. Her game-high six points in the bronze medal game against Canada capped off a performance that earned her the Athlete of the Year award.
In addition to her Olympic success, Van Lith continues to shine in her fifth and final season at TCU, where she has led the Horned Frogs to a 20-2 record. Averaging 18.3 points, 5.8 assists, and 4.5 rebounds per game, she ranks seventh nationally in total assists. With her leadership, TCU has gone 8-1 in Big 12 play.
Her rise from a player at Louisville and LSU to an Olympic medalist and star at TCU is a testament to her drive, determination, and leadership on and off the court. With a legacy that continues to grow, Van Lith’s story is far from over. She remains a role model for aspiring athletes, showing that with the right mindset, any challenge can be overcome.
“Throughout my journey with the sport, I never shied away from a challenge and that’s made me the competitor I am today,” Van Lith said in a statement last summer. “Putting yourself in situations where you’re tested and proving that you can overcome internal or external pressure gives you confidence to play freely and lean into those competitive moments, like championship tournaments, with eagerness rather than fear. It's critical to remind yourself that you’ve navigated pressure before and just focus on being the player and teammate you know you can be.”