March Madness: Hailey Van Lith Calls Handshake Drama “Not a Big Deal

By | Bullscore 25 Mar, 2023

Hailey Van Lith, Louisville Cardinals guard, has dismissed the recent handshake drama between herself and Texas Longhorns guard Sonya Morris at the March Madness NCAA Tournament. Despite the incident going viral on social media, Van Lith insists it “wasn’t a big deal” and that people are just trying to stretch it out.

Van Lith, who pushed Morris away after she appeared hostile during the post-game handshake, has been the subject of much speculation and scrutiny, but she remains unfazed. She pointed out that similar incidents occur regularly in the NBA, and the media attention given to women’s basketball often amplifies any controversy.

I don't know what was said here. But here is Hailey Van Lith going through the handshake line with Texas. Sonya Morris was first in line for the Longhorns to talk to Van Lith. pic.twitter.com/YqvnmwiRdn
— Tyler Greever (@Tyler_Greever) March 21, 2023

For Van Lith, her focus now is on the upcoming regional semifinal against Ole Miss, which she will play in front of family and friends in Seattle. The game is a special one for the Central Washington native, who hopes it will feel like a home game for the team. Her teammates have rallied around her, with Van Lith stating that “they’ve got my back.”

The incident with Morris isn’t the first time Van Lith has faced adversity. As a talented athlete, she’s used to the harsh realities of being a female athlete and acknowledges that people treat women’s basketball differently. However, she won’t let any distractions get in the way of her goals.

As for the on-court altercation with Morris, Van Lith is content to let it go. She doesn’t engage in social media and is not concerned about any speculation or commentary on the exchange. Van Lith is a talented athlete, and her focus remains on playing great basketball for the Louisville Cardinals.