Chicago Sky guard Hailey Van Lith has made it clear that she’s carrying unfinished business into the 2025 WNBA season. Following a hard-fought defeat to Caitlin Clark during the 2024 NCAA tournament, Van Lith has reportedly vowed to come back stronger—not just for herself, but to make a statement on behalf of her team. The rivalry between the two rising stars, which began on the college courts, now continues on the professional stage with higher stakes and sharper focus.
In a recent interview, Van Lith didn’t shy away from acknowledging the impact that loss had on her. She called it one of the toughest moments of her college career, describing it as fuel for her next chapter in the WNBA. “That game is burned into my memory,” she reportedly said. “It’s not just about revenge—it’s about proving what I’m capable of when everything’s on the line.” Her determination has sparked interest among fans, many of whom are eager to see how her competitive edge will shape Chicago Sky’s performance this season.
The growing rivalry between Van Lith and Clark has been one of the most compelling storylines in women’s basketball. Their contrasting styles—Van Lith’s fierce intensity and Clark’s calculated brilliance—have drawn comparisons to some of the greatest matchups in the sport’s history. While Clark has continued to dominate headlines with her playmaking and scoring, Van Lith is carving out her own narrative, focused on growth, resilience, and redemption.
With the 2025 WNBA season approaching, Van Lith has reportedly set a clear personal target: elevate her game, lead her team with purpose, and meet Clark once again—but this time with a different outcome. Her off-season training has been described as relentless, and insiders say she’s more motivated than ever. For Chicago Sky, having a player with that kind of drive could be exactly what the team needs to make a deeper playoff push.
As fans gear up for what promises to be an electrifying season, all eyes will be on the court when Van Lith and Clark eventually face off again. Will Van Lith’s hunger for redemption give her the edge, or will Clark continue her dominance? One thing is certain—this is a rivalry that’s only just beginning to heat up, and it’s exactly the kind of drama the WNBA needs to captivate its growing audience.
