Angel Reese Reacts to Hailey Van Lith Reunion as Sky Draft SI Swimsuit Model in 2025

Angel Reese and Hailey Van Lith Reunite as Chicago Sky Drafts LSU Teammates
By Jake Nisse | Updated: 04:25 BST, 15 April 2025

The Chicago Sky reunited former LSU stars Angel Reese and Hailey Van Lith during Monday’s 2025 WNBA Draft, selecting Van Lith with the No. 11 overall pick. The duo previously played together at LSU during the 2023-24 season, reaching the Elite Eight before falling to Caitlin Clark’s Iowa Hawkeyes.

Reese, now entering her second WNBA season, celebrated the reunion on social media. “We ain’t do it right the first time. Let’s run it backkkk,” she tweeted, responding to the Sky’s draft announcement.

Ex-LSU teammates Angel Reese and Hailey Van Lith reunite in Chicago.

Van Lith, who transferred to TCU for her final college season, averaged 17.9 points, 5.4 assists, and 4.6 rebounds, earning Big 12 Player of the Year honors. Despite a challenging year at LSU—where she shot a career-low 37.8% from the field—Van Lith’s resilience impressed the Sky.

“We have a lot of similarities in how we carry ourselves,” Van Lith said of Reese. “She’s a dog. She turns up the intensity of everybody around her.”

Van Lith with WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert after being drafted.

Reese also reshared a throwback photo of the pair at LSU, nodding to Las Vegas Aces star Chelsea Gray’s advice not to “sleep on an 11th pick.” Reese replied, “Oh we won’t Cap. Thank yaaaa,” referencing Gray’s own draft journey (Gray was the No. 11 pick in 2014).

Both players share another bond: Sports Illustrated Swimsuit features. Reese debuted with the brand in 2023 after LSU’s national championship win, while Van Lith graced the digital cover ahead of this year’s draft.

Van Lith on the digital cover of SI Swimsuit.

Reese modeling for SI Swimsuit in 2023.

The Sky will tip off their season against Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever on May 17, setting the stage for a highly anticipated rematch of college rivals. With Reese’s dominant presence and Van Lith’s playmaking, Chicago aims to climb the standings after a 18-22 record in 2024.

Van Lith’s journey—from LSU to TCU to the WNBA—showcases her adaptability. “I’m excited to be around [Reese] again,” she said. “We’ve stayed in touch, and I know what she brings to the court.”

As the Sky rebuild around young talent, Reese and Van Lith’s chemistry and competitive fire could make Chicago a team to watch.

Share or comment on this article: Angel Reese shares verdict on Hailey Van Lith reunion as Sky pick fellow SI Swimsuit model in 2025 WNBA Draft

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Note: The original text was condensed by focusing on key storylines: the draft selection, Reese/Van Lith’s history, their SI Swimsuit features, and the Sky’s upcoming season. Redundant details (e.g., LSU season stats, draft process mechanics) were streamlined. Images were placed strategically to highlight their partnership and off-court achievements.