Hailey Van Lith Reacts to Devastating Chicago Sky News

Hailey Van Lith Reacts to Devastating Chicago Sky News originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

Of all the players the Chicago Sky could ill afford to lose as they seek to turn around what has been a rough early portion of the season, point guard Courtney Vandersloot was certainly near the top of the list, if not at the top of the list. 

The 15-year veteran was averaging 12.0 points and 6.7 assists this season entering Saturday's rematch with the Fever, in her return to the organization. Vandersloot was an anchor in Chicago for most of her career before playing for the Liberty for the last two seasons, where she won her second WNBA championship.

On Saturday, though, disaster struck. The 36-year-old Vandersloot crumpled to the floor of the United Center in Chicago with a knee injury and had to be helped off the floor. The hope for the team remains that the injury is not an ACL tear, but that is a worst-case possibility.

Such an injury would end Vandersloot's season and, given her age, possibly her career.

Chicago Sky guard Hailey Van Lith (2) is seen during the first half against the Dallas Wings at the Wintrust Arena. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images

Rookie point guard Hailey Van Lith replaced Vandersloot on Saturday, scoring seven points in 26 minutes of what was a 79-52 drubbing. 

Van Lith was asked about Vandersloot's injury after the game. 

"It’s heartbreaking," she said. 

Hailey Van Lith on Courtney Vandersloot’s injury. #Skytownpic.twitter.com/xRAAa4t7T9

She continued: "Right now, we're giving her a lot of energy. Praying for her. Whatever is in store in the future for this team, I trust that we will find a way to make this moment mean something in the end. So, obviously, we are all very concerned and our hearts go out to Sloot right now. But hopefully as a team we can use this to change the path."

Again, that probably is going to fall to Van Lith, the No. 11 pick in this year's draft, at least in the short term. She had not played more than 15 minutes this season, and those were in a garbage-time situation against the Liberty. In fact, Van Lith had played a total of 37 minutes on the season before Saturday. 

The Sky have not officially disclosed the nature of Vandersloot's injury. 

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 8, 2025, where it first appeared.