Hailey Van Lith’s Marilyn Monroe Moment at WNBA Draft: The Iconic Confession Fans Missed!
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Hailey Van Lith, the Chicago Sky’s newest star, is making waves in the WNBA not only for her basketball prowess but also for her bold fashion choices and surprising confessions. Picked No. 11 overall in the 2025 WNBA Draft, the 23-year-old guard from Washington, known for her fiery play at Louisville, LSU, and TCU, added an unexpected twist to the draft spotlight with a revelation that had fans buzzing on social media.
In Bustle‘s inaugural Game Changers issue, published on April 22, Van Lith confessed to channeling Hollywood icon Marilyn Monroe for her red carpet looks. “When I’m on the red carpet, I love a good retro vintage look,” Van Lith shared, adding, “A lot of times I channel an inner Marilyn Monroe.” Her draft night outfit was a perfect embodiment of her Monroe-inspired style—a sparkly black mini dress paired with sleek black heels, showcasing her legs and radiating classic glam.
Her glamorous ensemble, complete with side-swept voluminous curls, bold lips, and glowing skin, was a nod to Monroe’s timeless appeal. “It’s about that classic glam,” Van Lith explained, hinting at her love for knitwear trends and other fashion-forward choices beyond the court. The look, which she showcased on the red carpet, had fans raving on X (formerly Twitter), with one post calling her “HVL serving Monroe realness.” Van Lith’s 1.3 million Instagram followers also ate up the stylish transformation, further cementing her as a style icon in the making.
From College Courts to Hollywood Glam
Van Lith’s entry into the WNBA marks a significant step in her career, not only as a basketball player but as someone blending grit and glamour effortlessly. Known for her tenacity on the court, Van Lith averaged 17.9 points and 5.3 assists at TCU, earning Big 12 Player of the Year honors and leading the Horned Frogs to the Elite Eight. She has a history of excellence, having also reached the Elite Eight with Louisville and LSU. Her basketball accolades are complemented by her impressive 2024 Olympic 3×3 bronze medal, which further solidifies her status as one of the league’s most promising young players.
Van Lith’s draft night also reunites her with former LSU teammate Angel Reese, creating a dynamic duo poised to elevate the Sky after a difficult 13-27 season. “I believe our impact will be even greater than when we were teammates in college,” Van Lith said at her introductory press conference, radiating excitement for what lies ahead in her professional career.
A Confidence That Shines On and Off the Court
While her basketball skills are well-known, Van Lith’s Marilyn Monroe-inspired swagger is more than just a fashion choice; it’s a reflection of her confidence and self-assurance. She has carried a fierce mentality since high school, where she broke Washington’s scoring record. “Deep in my heart, I wanted to come to the Sky,” she said, speaking about her draft experience and the team’s belief in her game and personality.
Her draft selection at No. 11 sparked some debate, with ESPN’s Elle Duncan calling it a missed “splashy move” when Golden State passed on her at No. 5. However, Van Lith is not deterred by the slide, seeing her selection by Chicago as fate. She’s poised to make an impact with the Sky, blending her hard-nosed basketball approach with an unmistakable sense of style.
The Perfect Blend of Hoops and Hollywood
From upsetting Notre Dame to dazzling on the Orange Carpet, Hailey Van Lith is blending her basketball grit with Hollywood flair. Her boyfriend, NBA guard Jalen Suggs, was there to support her, even sporting her TCU jersey during their NCAA run, further showcasing the tight-knit support system she has around her.
As she steps into her rookie season with the Chicago Sky, Van Lith’s Monroe-inspired swagger sets the stage for what promises to be a breakout year. With her undeniable talent on the court and her bold fashion choices, Hailey Van Lith is ready to make her mark not only in the WNBA but also as a rising star in the world of fashion and entertainment. Fans are already anticipating what’s next for this multi-talented athlete as she takes on her rookie year with both determination and style.
