LSU Women’s Basketball Transfer Portal Update: Trio of Key Contributors Depart

The LSU women’s basketball team is undergoing significant roster changes this offseason, with several key players departing via the transfer portal and the WNBA draft. Notably, three contributors—Hailey Van Lith, Angelica Velez, and Janae Kent—have entered the transfer portal, signaling a shift in the team’s composition for the upcoming season.

Hailey Van Lith’s Departure

Hailey Van Lith, a standout guard, transferred to LSU from Louisville in April 2023. During her tenure with the Tigers, she started 33 games, averaging 11.6 points and 3.6 assists per game. Despite her contributions, Van Lith entered the transfer portal on April 4, 2024, seeking new opportunities for her fifth collegiate season. citeturn0search1 She subsequently committed to Texas Christian University (TCU), aiming to enhance her draft prospects and take on a more prominent role.

Angelica Velez’s Transfer

Freshman guard Angelica Velez also opted to transfer after limited playing time during her inaugural season at LSU. A former four-star recruit from the Bronx, New York, Velez appeared in 23 games, averaging 1.2 points per game. Her decision to enter the transfer portal was confirmed in early April 2024. citeturn0search2 Velez later committed to Syracuse University, where she aims to secure more substantial playing time and further develop her skills. citeturn0search20

Janae Kent’s Exit

Another freshman guard, Janae Kent, decided to leave LSU after her first season. Kent, a 6-foot-1 wing from Oak Forest, Illinois, played an average of eight minutes per game, with one start against South Carolina in the SEC title game. Her entry into the transfer portal was reported on April 5, 2024. citeturn0search3 As of now, Kent has not publicly announced her next destination.

Other Notable Departures

In addition to these transfers, the team will also be without forward Angel Reese, who declared for the 2024 WNBA draft and was selected seventh overall by the Chicago Sky. citeturn0search21 Reese’s departure marks a significant loss for the Tigers, given her pivotal role in the team’s success.

Incoming Transfers and Recruits

To address these roster changes, head coach Kim Mulkey has been active in the transfer market. The Tigers have secured commitments from several players, including:

• Jersey Wolfenbarger: A 6-foot-5 guard/forward transferring from Arkansas. citeturn0search20
• Shayeann Day-Wilson: A guard from Miami. citeturn0search5
• Kailyn Gilbert: A guard from Arizona. citeturn0search5
• Mjracle Sheppard: A guard from Mississippi State. citeturn0search5

These additions aim to bolster the team’s depth and maintain its competitive edge in the upcoming season.

Looking Ahead

Despite the departures, the Tigers retain key players such as Flau’Jae Johnson, who has chosen to forgo the 2025 WNBA Draft and return for her senior season. cite turn0news15  With a mix of returning talent and incoming transfers, LSU aims to remain a formidable force in women’s college basketball.

As the team navigates these transitions, fans and analysts alike will be keenly observing how these changes impact LSU’s performance in the forthcoming season.