Former WNBA star Angel McCoughtry has sparked controversy by suggesting that the social media popularity of Chicago Sky rookie Hailey Van Lith may have played a role in her being selected in the WNBA draft. In a recent podcast interview, McCoughtry questioned whether Van Lith would have been considered for the draft if she hadn’t had a significant following on platforms like Instagram, where she boasts over 1.3 million followers. McCoughtry’s comments have ignited discussions about the influence of online presence in professional sports, prompting her to issue a public apology after facing backlash. The veteran player, who was a top draft pick herself in 2009, emphasized her respect for Van Lith’s efforts while defending her initial critique. Van Lith, who was a standout collegiate player at Louisville and later transferred to LSU and TCU, is currently in a bench role with the Sky, averaging 5.1 points and 1.5 assists per game. Her situation highlights the ongoing debate about how social media metrics intersect with athletic talent in the selection process.
Former WNBA Star Criticizes Chicago Sky Rookie Hailey Van Lith’s Draft Selection
Former WNBA star Angel McCoughtry made controversial remarks about Chicago Sky rookie Hailey Van Lith, suggesting that Van Lith’s social media popularity may have significantly influenced her selection in the WNBA draft. In a recent podcast interview, McCoughtry raised questions about whether Van Lith would have been considered for the draft if she had not possessed a substantial online following. Van Lith, who is one of the most-followed collegiate athletes on social media, has over 1.3 million followers on Instagram alone, which has sparked discussions about the role of online presence in professional sports selection processes.
The veteran player, who was a top pick in the 2009 WNBA draft by the Atlanta Dream, emphasized her respect for Van Lith’s skills while expressing her doubt about the player’s draft prospects if her social media following were different. McCoughtry’s comments have caused significant debate, especially as they have received widespread online scrutiny, prompting her to issue a public apology after facing backlash. In an Instagram Live session, she clarified her position, stating that her intention was never to criticize Van Lith personally but to emphasize the broader point about the intersection of social media presence and athletic success.
Van Lith, who was a standout player at Louisville, transferred to LSU and then to TCU, where she led the team to an NCAA tournament berth. Despite her collegiate success, she has faced challenges in her rookie season with the Chicago Sky, where her playing time has been limited to a bench role. She averages 5.1 points and 1.5 assists per game, which has prompted conversations about her transition to the professional league and the impact of her social media influence on her career trajectory.
McCoughtry’s remarks, while controversial, have opened up a broader discussion about the role of social media in modern sports. This topic is increasingly relevant in a time when athletes’ online presence often receives as much attention as their performance on the court. While McCoughtry has since apologized and clarified her statements, the incident highlights the growing intersection between athletics, public perception, and digital influence in professional sports.