FORT WORTH, Texas — Prominent TCU guard Hailey Van Lith has recently opened up about her battle with mental health challenges that she faced earlier in her basketball career. Although revealing such personal details wasn’t easy, she expressed gratitude for the positive feedback she has received from the public.
“It’s been very encouraging. A lot of people have reached out to share how they relate or feel understood, which is exactly what I hoped for,” Van Lith said on Wednesday. “That’s the whole purpose.” As she prepares to compete in her fifth consecutive Sweet 16 in the women’s NCAA Tournament, Van Lith has played a significant role in leading the Horned Frogs to this stage for the first time. She previously reached a Final Four and two Elite Eight rounds with Louisville and an Elite Eight with LSU last year.
After TCU’s second-round victory over Louisville on Sunday, Van Lith, whose influence stretches across social media due to her name, image, and likeness presence, became emotional. She reflected on the influence she has on the younger generations who don her No. 10 jersey, cementing her as one of the defining faces in women’s college basketball.
“It’s really a blessing. But honestly, I’m standing on God’s shoulders right now,” she confessed tearfully. “He has brought me through so much pain, suffering, and confusion. All glory goes to God.”
In the locker room afterward, Van Lith delved into her mental health journey, sharing how her exposure to media at a young age took its toll. However, she emphasized that she’s now in a much better place.
“When I was younger in college, I was suicidal, heavily medicated, and felt trapped. On the surface, my basketball career was successful, but inside, I was on the brink of giving up,” Van Lith revealed. “That’s what I refer to when I talk about pain and suffering. I didn’t even want to live.”
Discussing her experiences on the Fort Worth campus on Wednesday, Van Lith mentioned that her turning point came after hearing about Stanford goalkeeper Katie Meyer’s suicide in March 2022. This incident inspired Van Lith to prioritize her mental health.
Van Lith decided to work with a sports psychologist who also serves as a regular therapist. She believes her maturity has also played a part. “I was only 19 when a lot of my issues occurred. Being so young, I didn’t know how to handle everything.”
Van Lith knew for a while that she needed to eventually share her story. “I’ve always sensed that my unique journey had a purpose greater than myself,” she expressed.
The step to speak candidly about her experiences was intimidating, but she embraced the opportunity. “The only ones aware of the full extent of my journey were my closest family and friends. Sharing this with everyone has been daunting. But embracing God’s challenge to share my story is what I’ve decided to do moving forward.”
With this newfound openness, Van Lith continues her journey both on and off the court, determined to use her platform for a greater cause.