Hailey Van Lith’s blistering season has come to an end.
Van Lith’s TCU were handed a 58-47 loss by Texas on Monday night, denying them the chance to play in the Final Four of the NCAA Tournament for the first time in the program’s history.
Van Lith was choked up when talking to the pressYahooSportsVan Lith was on the brink of tears when talking to the media after the defeat, reflecting on what has been stellar season individually and collectively before hailing her head coach Mark Campbell.
“He has just breathed life into me,” Van Lith said.
“From a life perspective, he’s taught me a lot of great lessons about how to have healthy relationships, and what it takes to have a healthy relationship, and how much better life can be if you just let people see who you are.”
The 23-year-old, who is playing her last collegiate game before moving to the WNBA, was seen embracing Campbell after their loss to Texas.
The No.1 seed Longhorns were ultimately the favourites against the two-seeded Horned Frogs, although the underdogs did push them all the way.
After spending the entire game trailing, TCU fought back in the third quarter to level the game.
However, Texas would quickly reinstate their dominance when they created a 10-point gap before winning the game.
The biggest moment of the game came when the Longhorns’ Kyla Oldacre stole the ball and charged down the other end to score.
Texas’ star Madions Booker, who scored 18 points and recorded six boards would be influential in her side’s win.
For Van Lith, she did everything to try and take her side to the Final Four, posting 17 points and eight rebounds.
Van Lith had another strong game but it wasn’t enough on the nightGetty TCU have made history in a season that has taken them to the Elite Eight for the first timeGettyIn the end, it wouldn’t be enough as TCU’s offensive woes caught up with them. They shot just 26.7 percent from the field and 20 percent from deep.
In the end, it’s certainly a season to remember for TCU and for Van Lith, who opened up in an emotional press conference as her college career ended on Monday.
“I’m sitting up here now with women that I love and a coach that I love and a team that I love,” Van Lith said.
“We aren’t even sad about losing. We’re sad that we aren’t going to see each other probably next week.
“My journey has been crazy, I’m super grateful for it, wouldn’t have had it any other way.”
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This season, the Horned Frogs have set records for victories and Big 12 victories with 16 wins, while also going 19-0 at home during the regular season.
Van Lith averaged 17.9 points, 5.5 assists and 4.5 rebounds, in what was one of the best individual seasons by a TCU player.
So much so, her head coach suggested her jersey might have to get hung up.
“I don’t know the criteria in regards to getting your jersey hung at TCU,” Campbell said.
“But I have a hard time believing that anybody in any sport in one year can have a greater impact than what Hailey Van Lith has had at TCU.”
Van Lith, who will declare for the WNBA draft this April, will leave a strong legacy in college basketball despite not being able to win a chip in her five years at NCAA level.
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Ranking the greatest players in NCAA men’s March Madness history – from Michael Jordan to Magic Johnson
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March Madness legends who are still balling in NBA today – from Steph Curry to Ja Morant
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