TCU’s Van Lith Shines as Big 12’s Top Player and Newcomer
The Big 12 has witnessed some phenomenal talent in its sports history. However, it is not every day that an athlete rises through the ranks so rapidly and impressively, creating a legacy that transcends the norm. This season, TCU’s Hailey Van Lith has done just that, blazing a trail to become the Big 12’s top player and newcomer.
Van Lith’s remarkable performance for the TCU women’s basketball team has not only made her a household name in the Big 12 Conference but also earned her the coveted titles of Player of the Year and Newcomer of the Year. These accolades were announced on Tuesday, along with other notable winners including Mark Campbell (Coach of the Year), Delaney Gibb (freshman), JJ Quinerly (defensive player), and Yaya Felder (sixth player).
The “Underfrogs” of TCU, as some affectionately call them, have risen dramatically from winning only one conference game two seasons ago to becoming outright women’s Big 12 champions. This incredible turnaround story is emblematic of the resilience and determination inherent within the team. The transformation has been so significant that open tryouts were needed to fill the team last year.
Van Lith’s achievements are a testament to her exceptional talent and hard work. She is the first player in the league’s 29-season history to be picked as the top player and top newcomer in the same season. This extraordinary feat solidifies Van Lith’s position as a trailblazer in the Big 12 Conference and an inspiration for future athletes.
Van Lith’s journey to these landmark achievements has been both challenging and rewarding. After transferring to TCU for her fifth and final college season, Van Lith’s performance has been nothing short of exemplary. She joined TCU after reaching the NCAA Elite Eight last season with LSU, following three seasons at Louisville that included a Final Four and another Elite Eight. At TCU, she is averaging 17.6 points and 5.4 assists, making her an instrumental figure in the team’s success.
However, the success story of TCU does not end with Van Lith. TCU’s Mark Campbell was named Coach of the Year, marking another significant achievement for the university. This accolade comes after the eighth-ranked Horned Frogs won the regular-season title for the first time in their 13 seasons in the league. Campbell’s visionary leadership and strategic acumen have played a crucial role in shaping the team’s extraordinary journey from underdogs to champions.
The Big 12 announcement also highlighted other noteworthy performances. BYU guard Delaney Gibb, who is averaging 17.5 points and 4.2 assists, was voted the unanimous Freshman of the Year. West Virginia guard JJ Quinerly achieved the notable milestone of becoming the first player elected Defensive Player of the Year in back-to-back seasons since Baylor’s Lauren Cox in 2018-19. Moreover, Baylor senior guard Yaya Felder won the Sixth Player of the Year award.
In conclusion, the recent Big 12 announcement reflects the dynamism and talent in the sporting community. It underscores the hard work, dedication, and sporting prowess of its athletes. The remarkable achievements of TCU’s Hailey Van Lith and her fellow awardees are a testament to the enduring spirit of competitiveness and excellence in sports. As we celebrate their victories, we also look forward to what promises to be an exciting future for the Big 12 Conference.