WATCH: TCU's Hailey Van Lith celebrates her bronze medal with Team USA at Paris with teammates
Despite a dismal 0-3 start to their Olympics venture, Hailey Van Lith and the 3x3 women's USA squad clinched the bronze medal in Paris. Even though the nation stood at the top of the podium in the inaugural 3x3 Olympics event in Tokyo, they had a different roster this year.
Nevertheless, the group of Van Lith, Cierra Burdick, Dearica Hamby and Rhyne Howard understand the ups and downs that come with pairing up a new squad. With that, the crew recently went on a cheerful stroll, as Hailey Van Lith uploaded a snippet of herself celebrating the medal with Eeifel Tower at the horizon.
Team USA lost to Germany in their opener with a 17-13 score, followed by defeats against Azerbaijan (20-17) and Australia (17-15) that pitted them bottom of the pool.
While the players on Team USA were experienced, they had little to no experience of playing together, making them one of the most inexperienced units. Having gathered less than 20 days ago, they were facing rosters that had been preparing for the global event for months. Moreover, Howard came as a sudden inclusion to the team after Cameron Brink was sidelined due to a season-ending injury.
Nevertheless, with direction from three-time 3x3 gold medalist coach Jennifer Rizzotti, Team USA mounted an undefeated run to climb up the ladder and make it to the semi-finals. A loss to Spain aligned them to the bronze medal game, where they ensured a win in a heated game over Canada.
Hailey Van Lith plans to return to 3x3 Olympics basketball
Team USA displayed mental strength and the standard of their basketball by earning a medal. A part of the success goes to Hailey Van Lith’s leadership, spearheading the offense by being the scoring leader in six of their 10 games.
She plans to redeem herself and the Team USA program by making the 3x3 roster for the 2028 Olympics.
"Winning a medal for your country just makes you super proud. Even after the game, I got super emotional. There just aren't enough words. You just feel so proud. You're just so thankful for your family and friends and everyone who cheered and supported you. If they will have me again at the next one, I'll be back," Hailey Van Lith said on winning the medal in Paris.
Van Lith posted her tournament-high eight points in the semi-final loss and sparked a 7-1 run in the medal game behind her six points. She will continue her basketball journey with the TCU Horned Frogs, where she transferred this offseason.
From there onwards, she will transition to the WNBA and hopefully return to the Olympics as a more experienced and decorated player than ever.