It’s been a whirlwind week for Hailey Van Lith, but she’s already making a strong first impression in Connecticut.

After being waived by the Chicago Sky during final roster cuts, the talented lefty guard was quickly scooped up by the Connecticut Sun. The timing couldn’t have been tighter—she joined her new squad just hours before their season opener against the powerhouse New York Liberty on Friday night.

While the Sun were ultimately overpowered in a 106-75 loss, Van Lith’s individual performance was a bright spot worth highlighting. Despite having minimal time to acclimate with her new teammates, she flashed the potential that made her a highly touted prospect coming out of college.

Her stat line reflected a player who can contribute on both ends of the floor, and with more reps in the Sun’s system, she’s poised to find her rhythm quickly. That’s crucial for a Connecticut team that isn’t expected to contend for a title this season. Instead, the Sun are focused on development—identifying which young pieces can anchor their future.

For Van Lith, that means opportunity. She’ll get consistent playing time to showcase her scoring, playmaking, and efficiency. If she can build on this debut, she’ll not only solidify her role in Connecticut but also strengthen her long-term standing in the WNBA.