Former TCU standouts Marta Suarez and Hailey Van Lith show how brutal WNBA roster math can be, even for drafted players.
Former TCU women’s basketball stars Marta Suarez and Hailey Van Lith made it to the WNBA, but their early pro journeys are already showing how unforgiving the league can be.
In today’s WNBA, getting drafted is a huge achievement. It’s just not a guarantee. With only 12 teams and 12 active roster spots per team, the entire league has just 144 active jobs.
That makes every training camp cut brutal, especially for rookies and young players still adjusting to the professional game.
As TCU on Si wrote, Suarez learned that almost immediately. After being selected 16th overall by the Seattle Storm in the 2026 WNBA Draft, she was quickly traded to the Golden State Valkyries.
The former TCU forward appeared at media day with Golden State, but was waived just days later as the expansion franchise trimmed its roster.
That kind of whirlwind is jarring, but it’s becoming more common.
Van Lith’s path lasted longer, though it came with the same reminder. The former No. 11 overall pick spent her rookie season with the Chicago Sky, averaging fewer than four points per game.
One year later, Chicago waived her before opening-day rosters had to be finalized.
Her free agency didn’t last long. The Connecticut Sun claimed Van Lith off waivers on May 6 after clearing roster space by waiving Madison Hayes and Taylor Bigby.
The move also reunites Van Lith with Sun coach Jen Rizzotti, who coached her with Team USA’s 3x3 squad at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Still, the bigger picture goes beyond two former Horned Frogs.
The WNBA’s popularity has surged behind stars like Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese and Paige Bueckers, but roster infrastructure hasn’t expanded at the same pace.
Each draft brings 36 new selections, plus undrafted free agents fighting for camp spots. With veterans already holding most jobs, the math gets ugly quickly.
For players like Suarez and Van Lith, versatility matters. So does timing. A draft slot may open a door, but staying in the league requires development, fit, health and opportunity.
Being waived also doesn’t mean the dream is over. Many players continue overseas in leagues across Spain, Turkey, France and Australia, where playing time and salaries can be stronger. Others return through hardship contracts, injuries or midseason roster needs.
For TCU fans, it’s a tough reminder: the climb to the WNBA is hard. Staying there can be even harder.
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