Mark Campbell doesn't hide Hailey van Lith's role after TCU makes history

TCU won its first Big 12 regular-season title on Sunday with a 51-48 win over Baylor , and head coach Mark Campbell couldn't help but single out Hailey van Lith's importance this season .

Van Lith scored 14 points against the Lady Bears and Sedona Prince had an impressive 16 points and 19 rebounds as the Horned Frogs wrapped up their greatest-ever regular season.

TCU went 28-3 overall this season, but entered the final day tied with Baylor at the top of the Big 12 , as both programs were 15-2 in the conference.

It was the first time that the conference had been decided in a winner-takes-all game, and it was the Horned Frogs who edged a close contest.

"Hailey, she's our lead dog.

She has this warrior spirit," Campbell said of Van Lith after the game.

In a press conference on Feb.

24, Campbell claimed that Van Lith was already a professional player after highlighting her impact.

"Hailey, truly, one of her greatest gifts is she has no chill," Campbell said.

"She goes, she's the ultimate competitor in everything that she does in her grind, in her preparation.

We have a pro that's still in college." TCU now occupies the No.

1 seed heading into the Big 12 tournament, in a stunning turnaround since Campbell became head coach two years ago.

In the three seasons prior to his arrival, the Horned Frogs were 7-47 in their conference, but are 22-13 in Big 12 games under Campbell.

This season has been their best ever, and the acquisition of Van Lith has inspired TCU in a memorable year.

Van Lith started her career at Louisville, but entered the transfer portal and joined then-reigning national champions LSU for the 2023-24 season.

After guiding the Cardinals to the Final Four in 2022, averaging 19.7 points, Van Lith opted to team up with the likes of Angel Reese and Flau'jae Johnson.

The decision was made as Van Lith wanted to join the program ahead of the 2024 WNBA Draft, but it didn't go to plan.

Van Lith was the big fish in Louisville, but had a less prominent role with the Tigers and saw her average points total drop to 11.6.

During the NCAA women's basketball tournament last season, following criticism over her performances, Van Lith said: "A lot of people have a lot to say about how this year went for me.

"But one thing that they can't argue with is that at this point, I know how to fend for Hailey and I know how to fight for Hailey and that's going to help me get to the next level." Ultimately, Van Lith decided that the best thing for Hailey was to enter the transfer portal again and complete one final college season.

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At the time, LSU head coach Kim Mulkey supported her decision.

"Her aspirations were to get drafted this year, and she realized, 'I need another year and I need to go back to a place where I can relax and get back to my normal position,'" Mulkey said.

"And what do you do? You hug her, and you wish her well." Mulkey also complimented Van Lith's work rate, which silenced critics who had questioned her efforts.

"One of the hardest working players that Ive ever coached," Mulkey added.

Van Lith's decision to join the Horned Frogs has paid off, as she's averaged 17.7 points, 5.5 assists, and 4.5 rebounds this season.

It remains to be seen how the 2025 WNBA Draft treats Van Lith, but her impact on TCU won't go unnoticed..

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