Hailey Van Lith lands Sports Illustrated Swimsuit cover

In the United States, Hailey Van Lith, a prominent figure in college basketball, has recently garnered attention for her dual achievements in sports and modeling. As the Big 12 Women's Basketball Player of the Year, Van Lith played an impressive season for Texas Christian University (TCU), where her performance included guiding her team to a notable two-seed in the NCAA Tournament. Although injuries within her team presented challenges, including her teammate Maddie Scherr taking a medical redshirt due to a back injury, Van Lith stepped up, helping her team reach the Elite Eight before being eliminated by the University of Texas. Simultaneously, internet speculation about Van Lith's involvement in the fashion industry has come to fruition, as Sports Illustrated confirmed her role in their highly anticipated Swimsuit issue for 2025. This announcement not only highlights her athletic accomplishments but also her rising status as a model. In a digital promo released by Sports Illustrated, Van Lith expressed her excitement about how athletes can embody both strength and beauty, thereby empowering all athletes. The photoshoot took place at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, a location that suggests an artistic and contemporary aesthetic for the issue. While preparing to enter the WNBA Draft and potentially becoming a first-round pick, Van Lith's modeling success adds to her impressive portfolio. Her dual roles in sports and modeling exemplify how athletes can diversify their careers beyond just their sport, challenging traditional norms and inspiring others. Moreover, this positioning may subject her to scrutiny similar to that faced by other female athletes in the public eye, reinforcing the complex dynamics between sport and societal perceptions of femininity. As she transitions from college athletics to the professional arena, both as a basketball player and a model, Van Lith is likely to become a prominent figure in discussions about female athletes' representation in multiple fields. This shift marks a significant moment in her career, and her impact will be closely watched by both fans of women's sports and the modeling industry.