The 2025 women’s NCAA Tournament is currently underway, and the No. 2 seed TCU Horned Frogs have advanced to the Sweet 16 after a convincing 85-70 victory over the No. 7 seed Louisville. Following the win, Hailey Van Lith openly discussed her struggles with mental health, which she has dealt with since a young age.
Van Lith shared her experience with media and social media exposure at a young age, revealing that it significantly impacted her mental health. ‘When I was younger and in college, I struggled with suicidal thoughts and was heavily medicated,’ she said. ‘I felt trapped, and you would never have guessed it because I was thriving on the court. But internally, in my life overall, I was ready to give up.’
Van Lith won the Big 12 Conference Player of the Year and Newcomer of the Year awards after transferring to TCU for her fifth and final year of college. She transferred from LSU after spending three seasons at Louisville, where she made appearances in both the Elite Eight and the Final Four. With the Horned Frogs, Van Lith has averaged 17.7 points and 5.5 assists per game.
‘Coming from that place to where I am now is incredible. I’ve been praying all year, believing that God wants me to share my testimony and light with the world. He has taken me from despair to a place where I truly love life. Even if I lost basketball today, I would still cherish these people,’ Van Lith said.
When does TCU play next?
The No. 2 TCU Horned Frogs will compete against the No. 3 Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the Sweet 16 round of the women’s NCAA Tournament.
Date: Saturday, March 29
Time: 1 p.m. ET
TV: ABC, ESPN
Stream: Fubo
Location: Legacy Arena at BJCC (Birmingham, AL)
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