What a Homecoming for These Two: LSU Tigers Stars Shine Bright in WNBA Debuts with Chicago Sky in Front of Fans
There’s something poetic about returning to the place that helped build you. And for Angel Reese and Hailey Van Lith, two former LSU Tigers who electrified women’s college basketball, their WNBA arrival with the Chicago Sky feels less like a professional transition and more like a triumphant homecoming. These two elite athletes, molded by the fire of Southeastern Conference play and elevated by the spotlight of national television, are now stepping into a new realm—bringing their energy, talent, and tenacity to one of the league’s grittiest franchises. But in many ways, the journey is just a continuation of what began in Baton Rouge.
For Reese, the self-proclaimed Bayou Barbie who brought a level of swagger and star power to LSU not seen in years, Chicago offers a platform perfectly suited to her game. She brings more than just double-doubles and dominance on the boards—she brings cultural cachet. From viral TikToks to magazine covers, Reese has built herself into a brand. But what some forget is how much of that brand is rooted in her relentless work ethic. At LSU, she was more than a personality; she was a player who left everything on the court. Her leadership helped guide the Tigers to a national championship in 2023, forever stamping her legacy in program history. Now, she walks into the Wintrust Arena with a fresh set of challenges but the same determined mindset.
Van Lith, a fierce competitor and former Louisville Cardinal who transferred to LSU to elevate her game and play under Coach Kim Mulkey, faced ups and downs during her final college season. At LSU, she had to adapt to a new role, new teammates, and new expectations. It wasn’t always smooth, and the critics were often loud. But through it all, Van Lith stayed steady. Her fiery spirit and basketball IQ made her a key piece of the Tigers’ backcourt and now position her as an intriguing fit in the pros. As she steps onto the court in Chicago, she brings with her not only sharp shooting and high-level decision making but also an edge—an underdog mentality sharpened by adversity.
For both players, landing in Chicago is more than a coincidence. It’s an opportunity to build something new in a city hungry for winning basketball. The Sky, who are in the midst of retooling their roster after the departure of several veteran stars, are now looking to a younger core to carry the torch. Reese and Van Lith fit that mold perfectly. They’re winners. They’re fearless. And most importantly, they already have chemistry built from their time in Baton Rouge. That matters in a league where cohesion and communication are often the difference between a playoff berth and an early offseason.
Their debut together has generated buzz not just in Chicago, but around the entire WNBA landscape. Reese’s rebounding dominance translated instantly, as she battled with veterans in the paint and showed she could hold her own on the glass. Her ability to defend multiple positions and crash the boards gives Chicago something they desperately need: interior toughness. Meanwhile, Van Lith’s court vision and off-ball movement immediately added value to the Sky’s guard rotation. Whether she’s running the offense or working as a spot-up shooter, Van Lith brings versatility and poise—two traits that often take rookies years to develop.
Yet it’s not just what they’re doing on the court that’s turning heads. The way these two have embraced the city of Chicago speaks volumes. From community events to post-practice interviews, they’ve approached this new chapter with humility and joy. They know how rare it is to go from college teammates to professional teammates, and they’re soaking in every minute. For young fans—especially in Chicago, where women’s sports are gaining more visibility than ever—the arrival of Reese and Van Lith offers not just entertainment, but inspiration. They represent the next generation of basketball stars who are unafraid to be themselves and unapologetic about their ambitions.
It’s also worth mentioning how monumental this is for LSU women’s basketball. To see two former Tigers enter the WNBA together and immediately make an impact is a powerful reflection of the program’s recent rise. Under Coach Mulkey, LSU has transformed into a pipeline for pro talent, and Reese and Van Lith are just the latest proof. Their success at the next level sends a strong message to recruits: Baton Rouge is a launching pad, and the WNBA is well within reach. For current Tigers watching from afar, it’s a proud moment—a glimpse into what their own futures could hold.
Of course, the journey won’t be without bumps. The WNBA is a physical, fast-paced league that challenges even the most accomplished college stars. Reese will have to continue to refine her offensive game, particularly her ability to finish through contact and stretch the floor. Van Lith, meanwhile, will be tested defensively and must prove she can consistently knock down shots against the best guards in the world. But if their college careers are any indication, both players are more than capable of evolving. They’ve handled pressure. They’ve played through pain. And most importantly, they’ve won—on the biggest stages, against the best opponents.
There’s a unique kind of magic in watching former college teammates share the floor again in the pros. Their connection is obvious in the little things: a glance during a timeout, a backdoor cut followed by a perfectly timed pass, the encouragement after a missed shot. These are two players who know each other’s rhythms, who’ve practiced and battled together in ways that build real trust. That chemistry can’t be taught, and in a league as competitive as the WNBA, it might just be the edge that helps the Sky surprise people this season.
Chicago, a city built on toughness and resilience, feels like the perfect backdrop for this next chapter. The fans are already embracing their new stars, and the energy around the team is unmistakable. You can feel it in the way the arena erupts when Reese hauls down a rebound in traffic or when Van Lith nails a clutch three in transition. These are moments that matter—not just for box scores or highlight reels, but for building belief. The Sky are betting on youth, on hunger, and on the bond that brought these two Tigers back together again.
Reese and Van Lith aren’t just players—they’re symbols. Of growth. Of grit. Of what happens when talent meets opportunity at just the right moment. Their story is still being written, but already, it’s one worth telling. Two college stars who helped redefine a program are now poised to help redefine a franchise. And they’re doing it together, in a city that loves a good comeback story. What a homecoming, indeed.
