WNBA: Hailey Van Lith on career in the spotlight and why she signed to play in New Zealand
WNBA player Hailey Van Lith has signed with the Tokomanawa Queens in New Zealand to refresh her career and mental well-being. She views the move as an opportunity to regain confidence and peace before returning to the WNBA.
Why it matters
It illustrates the growing trend of professional athletes seeking international leagues to manage burnout and maintain physical conditioning.
Hailey Van Lith found New Zealand in her search for an oasis.
Such is the American interest in sport at all levels, the 25-year-old’s basketball career has already seen the spotlight shine on her for a decade, following her movements from high school through to the Women’s National Basketball League (WNBA).
But life comes at you fast in the professional realm.
Now, after a rather turbulent time in her two years since graduating college and entering the WNBA, Van Lith was hopeful joining the Tokomanawa Queens in New Zealand’s Tauihi Basketball League would help her refresh mentally as much as it would physically.
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