Last-Tear Poa drops 1-word reaction to ex-LSU teammate Hailey Van Lith’s feature in SI swimsuit issue

Modified Apr 08, 2025 20:51 GMT

NCAA Womens Basketball: NCAA Tournament First Round-San Diego St. at Louisiana State - Source: Imagn

Sports Illustrated Swimsuit has a new star. On Tuesday on Instagram, the company shared clips of TCU basketball guard Hailey Van Lith for this year's swimsuit issue.

Before spending this past season at TCU, Van Lith spent a season at LSU, where she played alongside Last-Tear Poa. She dropped a one-word reaction to Van Lith's swimsuit photoshoot in the comments of the Instagram post.

"Periodddd😍."

Last-Tear Poa comments on Hailey Van Lith's SI Swimsuit photoshoot.

Van Lith's swimsuit shoot comes after a standout season in which she reached a fifth Elite Eight, making her the first college basketball player to do so.

“I was intimidated,” Van Lith said of the photo shoot. “I didn't know if I would be comfortable in that kind of setting, but I wanted to try something that I had never tried. I would regret it a lot if I let my insecurities or my reservations hold me back from it."

Syndication: Austin American-Statesman - Source: Imagn

Even though they are no longer teammates, Poa is showing her support for Van Lith as she expands to opportunities beyond just basketball.

Last-Tear Poa and Hailey Van Lith's plans for next season

After five seasons of college basketball, Van Lith is looking to begin her professional career. The guard is a sought-after prospect and is expected to be taken late in the first round of the 2025 WNBA draft.

In her senior season, Van Lith led TCU to its first Big 12 regular-season and tournament championships and first 30-win season on her way to being named Big 12 Player of the Year. She served as a two-way player for the Horned Frogs, leading the team in points (17.9 per game), assists (5.4) and steals per game (1.2).

A March Madness run to the Elite Eight for TCU greatly increased Van Lith's draft stock. The versatile guard will look to continue being a significant contributor on a WNBA squad.

SEC Tournament semifinal: Texas vs. LSU - Source: Imagn

Poa has one season of college eligibility remaining and plans to spend it at a new school. The guard is a senior, but a new NCAA ruling that grants extra eligibility to former junior college players means she can return for another season.

On April 2, Poa announced that she would be entering the transfer portal. She has spent the past three seasons at LSU, where she has served as a valuable playmaker. She appeared in 30 games this season, including 15 starts, but saw her minutes decrease from 20.1 per game last season to 12.9 this year.

Poa averaged 2.0 ppg, 1.0 rpg and 1.9 apg this season. She will take her talents to a new college as Van Lith takes her talents to the WNBA.

About the author

Lindsey Ware is a college sports journalist at Sportskeeda with over five years of experience working with publications such as The News & Observer, The Daily Tar Heel, Triangle Tribune and Cardiac Cane. She has also worked for Major League Baseball, The Holly Springs Salamanders, The Tri-City Chili Peppers, Tuffy Talk, Super Meteors Basketball, Just Good Network and Living Sport.

Lindsey has a Bachelor’s Degree in Media and Journalism from UNC Chapel Hill. Her education allowed Lindsey to gain experience in sports communication, which she honed in internships. Other than being a storyteller and sports fanatic, Lindsey is also a social media and marketing specialist.

Her favorite college team is UNC, although she grew up a N.C. State fan as both of her parents are Wolfpack alumni. Michael Jordan was a huge deal in North Carolina when Lindsey was growing up, and after a summer spent at UNC’s Sports Journalism Camp back in high school, Lindsey was set on being a Tar Heel.

Lindsey's favorite college coach of all time is Roy Williams. During her time attending UNC Chapel Hill and writing for The Daily Tar Heel, Lindsey was lucky enough to meet and speak with Williams a few times. He was like a celebrity on UNC’s campus and was beloved for his coaching style and success with the Tar Heels, accumulating three NCAA championship titles in 18 years.

When not watching or writing about sports, Lindsey enjoys reading, trying new restaurants and coffee shops, and spending time with my friends, family and dog. She also likes to journal, watch movies and paint.

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Edited by Joseph Schiefelbein