Hailey Van Lith’s minutes might be trending up again in Chicago..

Hailey Van Lith’s minutes are indeed trending upward again for the Chicago Sky and it’s happening for all the right reasons. Here’s a closer look:

 

Rising Role Off the Bench

After a slow start under rookie head coach Tyler Marsh, Van Lith languished in the rotation behind veterans like Ariel Atkins, Rachel Banham, and the injured Courtney Vandersloot.However, injuries and necessity have thrust her into a more prominent bench role. Most notably, she delivered a standout performance against the Connecticut Sun on June 15—logging 24 minutes (tied for her second-most) and pouring in 16 points on 75 percent shooting, along with five rebounds and a block  . That career night signaled her potential to be the Sky’s energy-boosting “sixth player.”

 

Coach’s Trust Increasing

Marsh has explicitly stated that Van Lith “is adjusting to her new role as an off‑the‑bench threat” and is pleased with how she’s “handled the minutes … the pressure … and [is] coachable”. Van Lith herself acknowledged the challenge of stepping into Vandersloot’s shoes but remains enthusiastic and ready to “play free and loose,” insisting she can handle the increased responsibility.

 

Statistical Uptick Confirms the Trend

Her average minutes have climbed after early-season dips to just 4–9 minutes in some games, she recently logged a team-high 25 minutes in a matchup versus the Sun and has been hovering around 20–25 min in recent contests  . Though her season average sits around 12 minutes, this stretch clearly shows trust building from the coaching staff.

 

Why It Matters

Chicago’s offense is sputtering they’re near the bottom of the league in scoring. Injecting Van Lith’s youthful burst and aggressive playmaking off the bench is exactly what the Sky need right now  . Her energy complements the young core of Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso, helping to inject momentum when starters stagnate.

 

In Summary

Van Lith’s minutes are climbing from few early‑season bench scraps to consistent 20+ minute shifts. Her breakout game and coach’s trust indicate she’s solidifying her spot as Chicago’s key spark-plug off the bench. If she maintains this level of play, her opportunity and impact could continue increasing throughout the season.