WNBA Rookie Hailey Van Lith Changes Hair Color Amid Struggling Chicago Sky Season

Hailey Van Lith, the No. 11 overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft, has faced a challenging rookie season with the Chicago Sky, averaging around 3.6 points and 1.6 assists in limited playing time without any starts and struggling with nagging ankle injuries. Despite the team's elimination from playoff contention, Van Lith recently made headlines off the court by drastically changing her hair color from her signature platinum blonde to a strawberry blonde/red hue, a transformation that has drawn significant attention and positive fan reactions across social media. The change was first noticed in pregame photos shared by the Sky’s social media and later highlighted by outlets like LeagueFits and Sports Illustrated Swimsuit, where Van Lith has also modeled, discussing the pressures of social media and appearance. While the rookie's on-court impact has yet to meet expectations, especially following the season-ending injury of veteran point guard Courtney Vandersloot, her new look has sparked conversations and may symbolize a fresh start as the Sky look ahead to future seasons. Van Lith's connection with former LSU teammate Angel Reese and her growing off-court presence continue to build her profile despite the ups and downs of her inaugural WNBA campaign.