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If you thought college rivalries would cool off once players hit the pros, think again because Angel Reese and Hailey Van Lith just turned friendship into a full-on sisterhood in Chicago. The energy? Ride-or-die.
This past weekend marked the start of WNBA training camp for the Chicago Sky, and all eyes are on Van Lith as she navigates her rookie year. But she’s not doing it alone. Reese, now a sophomore in the league, is stepping into a new role: part mentor, part emotional bodyguard, full-time hype woman.
“I’ve been where she is,” Reese told reporters, reflecting on her own whirlwind debut last year. “When you’re the new name everyone’s watching, the pressure is real. So I’m making sure Hailey doesn’t feel like she has to carry that weight alone. I didn’t have a lot of veterans to lean on last year, so I’m making sure she does.”
Translation? Angel’s not just passing her the ball—she’s passing the wisdom. Whether it’s locker room pep talks or mid-practice morale boosts, Reese is channeling big sister vibes, and Van Lith is feeling the love.
“She’s super selfless—like, no one sees that side of her,” Van Lith said. “She checks in on me constantly, makes sure my head’s in the right space, makes sure I feel like I belong here.”
This isn’t just a case of teammates being polite. This is chemistry. This is loyalty. This is two ultra-competitive, high-profile college stars building something deeper than stats, trust.
And when these two hit the court together this season? Expect fireworks. The WNBA isn’t just getting fresh talent—it’s getting a sisterhood ready to take over.