WNBA star Hailey Van Lith joins Tokomanawa Queens in Wellington
Sunday 4 October 2026 · 2 outlets · 2 reports · updated In this story National Basketball League, Mainland Tactix, Tokomanawa Queens, WNBA, Charlisse Leger-Walker, Hailey Van Lith
American basketball player Hailey Van Lith has arrived in Wellington for an offseason stint with the Tokomanawa Queens. The 25-year-old Connecticut Sun teammate aims to immerse herself in New Zealand culture during her time in the Tauihi Basketball Aotearoa competition.
Key facts
4 facts
- Charlisse Leger-Walker was the 18th pick in the WNBA draft in April.
- Leger-Walker is on a four-year, $2 million contract with the Connecticut Sun.
- The Tokomanawa Queens face Mainland Pouākai on Sunday at Te Rauparaha Arena.
- Leger-Walker was the youngest New Zealand basketball representative at age 16.
The full story
1 min read · 2 outlets
Connecticut Sun teammates Charlisse Leger-Walker and Hailey Van Lith have joined the Tokomanawa Queens for an offseason stint in the Tauihi Basketball Aotearoa competition. The pair are scheduled to make their debuts together this Sunday at Porirua’s Te Rauparaha Arena against the Mainland Pouākai.
Leger-Walker, a 25-year-old New Zealander, was the 18th pick in the WNBA draft this April. She is currently on a four-year, $2 million contract with the Connecticut Sun. Leger-Walker previously played for Washington State University and the University of California, Los Angeles, where she became the first Kiwi woman to win an NCAA championship.
American star Van Lith, who also has a first-round WNBA draft selection and an Olympic medal, arrived in Wellington for a three-month stay. She noted that she had already agreed to come to New Zealand before discovering she would be playing with Leger-Walker.
Van Lith expressed interest in exploring the Wellington region through hiking and sampling local foods such as Raro and Pineapple Lumps. She mentioned that Leger-Walker had previously encouraged her to vacation in New Zealand due to its nature.
Compiled from reports by NZ Herald and Stuff.
