Hailey Van Lith has been waived by the Connecticut Sun, the team announced Tuesday. The move comes after the guard played in just nine games for the Sun in her rookie season.

This marks the second time Van Lith has been cut by a WNBA team this month. She was initially waived by the Toronto Six on May 15th, before being picked up by the Sun. The Sun’s decision to release Van Lith comes as they activate guard Leïla Lacan from the injured list. Lacan, the No. 10 pick in the 2024 WNBA draft, averaged 10.4 points per game last season before her injury.

Van Lith, a highly touted prospect, was the No. 4 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft by the initial team that drafted her, before being traded. Her brief stint with the Sun saw her average 3.0 points and 1.1 rebounds per game across nine appearances. The team's roster moves indicate a strategic decision to prioritize players deemed more essential for their current lineup and future prospects.

The Sun's decision to waive Van Lith suggests that her performance and fit within the team's immediate plans did not meet expectations. With Lacan's return, the team is looking to solidify its roster, and Van Lith's departure frees up a valuable roster spot.

Van Lith's transition to the professional league has been challenging. As a standout college player at Louisville, her professional debut has not immediately translated into consistent playing time or impact. The WNBA is known for its competitive landscape, where roster spots are highly contested.

Her waiving by two teams in such a short period highlights the difficult adjustment many promising college athletes face entering the professional ranks. Factors such as team strategy, player development timelines, and the overall competitiveness of the league play a significant role in player retention.

As a result of this move, Van Lith will again be seeking a new team to continue her professional career. Her situation underscores the high stakes and rapid pace of roster management in the WNBA, where opportunities can be fleeting.

The Connecticut Sun are currently focused on building a cohesive unit for the remainder of the season, and Lacan's return is seen as a key addition to their roster depth and offensive capabilities.