"Thats gonna be better for her mentally": LSU fans react to major Hailey Van Lith transfer portal decision

Former LSU star Hailey Van Lith is set to transfer to TCU for the 2024-25 season, as confirmed by multiple reports. Van Lith, a 5-foot-7 guard, will join the Horned Frogs for her final season of college eligibility after a one-year stint at LSU, where she averaged 11.6 points and 3.6 assists per game.

The decision sparked reactions from LSU fans, with one expressing support, saying,

"That’s gonna be better for her mentally. As an LSU FAN that lives in Louisville, I wish her well."

Van Lith's decision has propelled the flurry of reactions across social media.

"Caitlin Clark ruined her," a fan remarked.

"Glad she got away from Toxic Kim," another fan commented.

"She going everywhere but to win a title," a fan said.

Some fans supported her and rejoiced over her decision.

"Good Luck @haileyvanlith. We will miss you in the boot but wish you the best of luck!" a fan quipped.

"OMG WE ARE SO BACK," a fan wrote.

"Van Lith and Cavinder on the same team!!!TCU TCU TCU." a fan rejoiced.

Hailey Van Lith, known for her stellar performances during her time at Louisville, where she was a two-time first-team All-ACC selection, made headlines when she transferred to LSU. Her arrival helped elevate LSU to the No. 1 preseason team in the country and contributed to their journey to the Elite Eight.

However, her role at LSU differed from her time at Louisville, where she was the primary scorer. In Baton Rouge, Van Lith took on a less prominent offensive role, reflected in her averaging 9.9 field goal attempts per game, the second-lowest mark of her career.

Her performance dip at LSU contrasted with her junior year at Louisville, where she posted a career-best 19.7 points per game as the primary scorer.

Kim Mulkey reflects on Hailey Van Lith's transfer decision

LSU women's basketball head coach Kim Mulkey addressed Hailey Van Lith's decision to leave the team.

"Her aspirations were to get drafted this year, and she realized, 'I need another year and I need to go back to a place where I can relax and get back to my normal position,'" Mulkey said (h/t CBS Sports). "And what do you do? You hug her, and you wish her well."

Mulkey praised Van Lith's willingness to embrace a new role at LSU, transitioning from an off-ball scorer to the starting point guard, despite a decline in scoring numbers. Van Lith's scoring average dropped by eight points per game, with a decrease in field goal percentage to a career-low of 38%.

With Hailey Van Lith's departure, LSU has now lost three players to the transfer portal, including freshmen Janae Kent and Angelica Velez, while adding former Arkansas forward Jersey Wolfenbarger.