Women’s college basketball player star Hailey Van Lith recently posted photos on her Instagram story sharing her baptism. She wrote, “Best day of my life” on the first photo, and “My greatest success in life is to offer my life to serve Jesus” on the last.
Her Instagram bio includes 1 Peter 5:6, which says, “So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time He will lift you up in honor.” As a recent transfer from the University of Louisville, Van Lith is ready to make her mark with her new team, the LSU Tigers, who were recent Women’s NCAA Division 1 National Champions.
After a critical loss to Iowa, Van Lith shared what motivates her during a post-game interview. She said, “I’ll be completely honest; I’m not motivated by external factors. I’m motivated by myself, and I always have been. If we would’ve won the national championship this year, I would’ve had the same amount of motivation in me, and that’s just who I am.”
She continued, “I’m not motivated at all by the fact that they named me honorable mention. I know who I am, and I know what God thinks I am. God doesn’t think I’m an honorable mention; I’ll tell you that right now. I don’t need external motivation. I’m internally motivated.” Additionally, Van Lith gave God the glory after graduating from Louisville.
She said in an Instagram post, “This moment is to glorify God in all of His goodness. He is the one true love. Isaiah 41:9-10, ‘I took you from the ends of the earth, from its farthest corners I called you. I said, “You are my servant”; I have chosen you and have not rejected you. So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.’”
Cole Claybourn with Sports Spectrum wrote, “Van Lith averaged 19.7 points, 4.5 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game last season at Louisville. This summer, she helped Team USA win the gold medal in the 3-on-3 FIBA World Cup.”
He continued, “A likely top-10 pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft, Van Lith emerged as one of the best players in the country and decided to transfer to LSU after graduating from Louisville. Her presence, along with star Angel Reese, makes the Tigers the likely favorite to win the national championship next season.”
Baptism is a sacred entity in the Christian faith. It means cleansing yourself of your sins to give yourself to God entirely. God bless Hailey Van Lith as she continues her journey.