Hailey Van Lith sets record straight on toughness, LSU, 3×3 and more

Hailey Van Lith, 21, nearly broke the internet when she announced her decision to transfer from Louisville to LSU in April. Van Lith, one of the top-ranked college basketball players in the country, brings a fire on and off the court that she’s not ashamed of. The Wenatchee, Washington native, who recently helped the U.S. take home the gold medal at the FIBA 3×3 World Cup, gets candid about the criticism she’s received for her passion, what she’s most excited for at LSU, what drew her to 3×3 basketball, and her goals for the 2024 Paris Olympics below.

*This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

How did you get your start in basketball? When did you first fall in love with the sport and when did becoming a professional athlete become a dream for you?

Hailey Van Lith: My dad played in college and coached my brother’s team when he was younger so I just grew up around the game. I started playing with my brother’s team and I would practice with them just to try it. I would say, first and second grade is when I realized I loved doing this. It just fueled my competitive nature. I was always fiery and competitive even when I was younger. I think I just got addicted to how it made me feel and I just fell in love with it right away.

As a girl, the professional outlook is different. I remember watching UConn on TV all the time and their dynasty sparked my interest into playing in college and then I found out there was a WNBA. The professional side had to grow as I grew up because it’s not as prominent as the NBA but once I found out it was possible it was balls to the wall.

Tell me about that conversation with your dad that led to you guys renting out a gym every night for two hours just to practice.

Van Lith: I