In a moment that captured the essence of March Madness, TCU’s thrilling 71-62 victory over Notre Dame in the Sweet 16 was marked by intense play on the court and exuberant celebrations off it. When Hailey Van Lith hit a decisive three-pointer in the final quarter, cameras caught her father, Corey Van Lith, and NBA point guard Jalen Suggs bursting into jubilation. Their spontaneous chest bumps quickly, joyful expressions of what it means to simply enjoy your team’s victory.

Hailey’s father was a university athlete and has been a steady pillar of support in her basketball journey often seen passionately cheering from the stands. Jalen Suggs Hailey’s longtime boyfriend and a standout player for the Orlando Magic has also been a constant presence at her games offering unwavering support throughout her college career. Together their celebration felt even more meaningful, a shared moment of pride and connection that went far beyond the court.

Hailey Van Lith leads TCU to historic Elite Eight

Hailey Van Lith’s performance was nothing short of stellar. The fifth-year guard poured in 26 points and grabbed nine rebounds, single-handedly outscoring Notre Dame 12-10 in the final quarter. Her leadership and clutch play propelled TCU to its first-ever Elite Eight appearance, marking a historic milestone for the program.

After transferring to TCU for the 2024-25 season, she quickly made her mark, leading the Horned Frogs to their inaugural Big 12 Conference regular-season championship. Her outstanding play earned her both the Player of the Year and Newcomer of the Year awards, a testament to her immediate impact.

As TCU prepares for its Elite Eight matchup, the energy and support surrounding Hailey Van Lith continue to build. With her family’s unwavering encouragement and her own indomitable spirit, fans are eager to see how far she can lead the Horned Frogs in this historic tournament run.