LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Hailey Van Lith shocked the women’s college basketball world when she opted to enter the transfer portal back in April. On Monday, the All-American guard offered an explanation as to why she decided to leave Louisville after three years with the Cardinals.

In an interview with Bleacher Report’s Taylor Rooks, Van Lith revealed that her decision to depart UofL stemmed from “her ability to be happy,” and that she “wasn’t enjoying everyday life” with the Cardinals.

“It came down to my ability to be happy, and I had to put myself first,” she said to Rooks after being asked what the No. 1 reason for her decision to transfer was. “I had done my part, and I had sacrificed myself and given my all to that program. But at the end of the day, I just I wasn’t enjoying everyday life. It was a situation there where I chose that I deserve happiness.”

Despite Louisville struggling at various points of the 2022-23 season, Van Lith put together a career year as a junior. She averaged a career-best 19.7 points and 3.2 assists, along with 4.5 rebounds per game. Her 729 total points scored during the 2022-23 season was good for fifth-best in program history, with the scoring average ranking eighth in a single season. The 5-foot-7 guard was tabbed as both a First-Team All-ACC selection and Associated Press All-American honorable mention.