“We haven't forgotten”: Team USA’s Hailey Van Lith shows grit with sharp critique after 18-17 victory over Canada

Hailey Van Lith delivered a stern message for critics after Team USA posted its third straight win in 3×3 basketball at the 2024 Paris Olympics. After initial setbacks in the tournament, Team USA received harsh criticism on social media and Van Lith said that she and the team still remembers them.

The USA's initial losses came against Germany, Azerbaijan, and Australia. However, the Americans bounced back and secured their first victory over Spain.

On August 2, Team USA faced France and clinched a narrow 14-13 win and they carried the momentum to defeat Canada,18-17. Van Lith answered the critics and the Associated Press quoted her,

“We have a lot of tweets bookmarked on how we shouldn't come back to the States. So we haven't forgotten.”

In the game against Canada, Van Lith made a clutch two-point shot with 22 seconds left to tie the match and force overtime. Team USA was the first to score two points in extra time to clinch the win.

Van Lith has not lost hope that they can still advance to the next round.

"We're gonna have to play tough and get on a roll here, but we still have a chance," Van Lith said.

The 2024 Paris Olympics is the opportunity of a lifetime for Hailey Van Lith

On June 5, Hailey Van Lith was named to the United States women's 3×3 basketball team and the only collegiate player included in the roster. Speaking to the Seattle Times, the 22-year-old shared how much her selection to the team meant,

"It’s the opportunity of a lifetime.” “You never know if this chance will come again, so I’m going to treat it like it’s the only one I’m going to get.”

Last April, Van Lith announced that she would transfer to Texas Christian University after starting her collegiate career with Louisville and LSU.

Team USA will be back in action on Saturday as they are set to face China.