Hailey Van Lith Explains Decision to Leave Louisville

The All-American guard entered the portal in April after three seasons with the Cardinals, later joining LSU.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Hailey Van Lith shocked the women's college basketball world when she opted to enter the transfer portal back in April. On Monday, the All-American guard offered an explanation as to why she decided to leave Louisville after three years with the Cardinals. 

In an interview with Bleacher Report's Taylor Rooks, Van Lith revealed that her decision to depart UofL stemmed from "her ability to be happy," and that she "wasn't enjoying everyday life" with the Cardinals.

"It came down to my ability to be happy, and I had to put myself first," she said to Rooks after being asked what the No. 1 reason for her decision to transfer was. "I had done my part, and I had sacrificed myself and given my all to that program. But at the end of the day, I just I wasn't enjoying everyday life. It was a situation there where I chose that I deserve happiness."

Despite Louisville struggling at various points of the 2022-23 season, Van Lith put together a career year as a junior. She averaged a career-best 19.7 points and 3.2 assists, along with 4.5 rebounds per game. Her 729 total points scored during the 2022-23 season was good for fifth-best in program history, with the scoring average ranking eighth in a single season. The 5-foot-7 guard was tabbed as both a First-Team All-ACC selection and Associated Press All-American honorable mention.

The Cardinals wound up going 26-12 overall for their first double-digit loss season in 11 years, but it was enough for Louisville to clinch their fifth-straight appearance in the Elite Eight. As a sophomore the year before, Van Lith was instrumental in UofL reaching the Final Four. She scored 20 or more points in eight of Louisville's nine NCAA Tournament games played over the two seasons.

Even with all the success on both a personal and team level that Van Lith was experiencing at Louisville, she also says that some of the "deepest lows" in her life came while a member of the Cardinals.

"It was really hard decision [to transfer]," Van Lith told Rooks. "My best friends in my whole life I made at Louisville. I went to a Final Four, and I shared that with those coaches and those teammates. Some of the highs in my life have been there, but also the deepest lows in my life have been there. I think that I was at the point where I felt like I had learned what I needed to learn from that situation and that environment, and I was giving myself grace to leave that and find something better for myself."

The Wenatchee, Wash. native eventually committed to LSU in late April. Led by head coach Kim Mulkey and fellow All-American Angel Reese, the Tigers claimed their first national championship in school history this past season.

Van Lith made sure to clarify that she did not regret attending Louisville, but she also doubled down on her decision to join the reigning national champions.

"I know in my heart that I made the right decision for me and my family, and for women's basketball in general," she said. "I don't regret going to Louisville. I'm a much better player, and a much better person because of my experience there. But like I said, I've given myself the grace and the opportunity to find something better."

Van Lith was one of five players to enter the transfer portal for Louisville. Along with the program also graduating six seniors, the Cardinals are returning only Olivia Cochran, Merissah Russell, Alexia Mobley and Nyla Harris.

Related: 247Sports Lists Louisville Among Top Ten Women's Basketball Portal Classes

Combating the significant roster attrition, head coach Jeff Walz and his staff are bringing in six Division I transfers: Georgia Tech guard Eylia Love, Cal State Bakersfield forward Hennie van Schaik, Florida guard Nina Rickards and UMass guard Sydney Taylor. Louisville is also bringing in 2023 center Eseosa Imafidon.

(Photo of Hailey Van Lith: Kirby Lee - USA TODAY Sports

You can follow Louisville Report for future coverage by liking us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram:

Facebook - @LouisvilleReport
Twitter - @UofLReport
Instagram - @louisville_report

You can also follow Deputy Editor Matthew McGavic at @Matt_McGavic on Twitter