“I still make dumb decisions”: $779,000 NIL valued Hailey Van Lith wants to “understand her own money” through TCU’s college major
Despite the option of having an expert team do it for her, Hailey Van Lith decided to spearhead her monetary matters. The point guard took some necessary steps even before her college began with the Louisville Cardinals, as she pursued her undergraduate in Finance.
HVL's move came in light of the rumors around NIL, which she believed would help her navigate the changing college landscape and create a good foundation for her future.
Nevertheless, experiencing the world as a youngster, Hailey Van Lith believes she still makes questionable decisions sometimes.
"I feel like I'm young and I still make dumb decisions," Van Lith said in an episode of Overtime's 'Day In The Life With'.
"I think people can be taken advantage of especially athletes financially. So, I think it's very beneficial for me to be at least somewhat educated," HVL added.
Despite being months away from her potential WNBA entry, Hailey Van Lith understands the short window of being an athlete. While a player’s career is influenced by a lot of factors, an average NBA and WNBA player’s career lasts for five years.
Even though HVL is assumed to be a star player and have a longer run, she understands the importance finance plays in her overall career and life.
"And I actually got my undergrad in finance because of it. I wanted to know how to understand my own money knowing that I could have an opportunity to set my kids up for their future to set my kids' kids up if I know how to use my money correctly that definitely inspired me to pursue Finance for my bachelor degree."
Hailey Van Lith's NIL continues to grow
Hailey Van Lith’s trajectory was questioned when she left LSU this summer for the TCU Horned Frogs. The Tigers have been one of the most competitive programs in the circuit, having lifted the 2023 NCAA title.
Nevertheless, as Van Lith found her fit in purple and white, she also landed a few lucrative NIL agreements. She became the first college player to sign with LaCroix, a popular sparkling water company, in April. She then shook hands with the Flying T Club in the coming months.
HVL’s NIL is currently valued at 779k, making her the fifth-ranked NIL holder in women’s basketball.