Three weeks ago, Haley Van Sris I was still in Fort Worth, Texas, earning my graduate degree and playing horned frog basketball at Texas Christian University. The 23-year-old from Wenatchee, Washington, was busy leading the team to the Elite 8, the fourth round of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament. TCU ended up dropping to the University of Texas for that game, but it wasn’t all bad, at least for Van Liss. What accompanies that last college game was the reality that now she could move to the next stage of her basketball career. At that point, she was three weeks away from going to the pro and took part in the WNBA for the rest of her New York City draft class.
She marked the beginning of her rookie season at Chicago Sky before she heard her name called out by W’s commissioner Kathy Engelbert in the 2025 WNBA Draft. The orange carpet, made to match the W colour scheme, is an iconic part of the modern WNBA draft, an opportunity for the draft tee to peek into style with fans ahead of the season, and the tunnel becomes an important part of the pre-game routine.
This year, the orange carpet was sponsored by the Coach, the official WNBA handbag sponsor. The brand announced its partnership on the morning of the draft and has decorated some of its biggest stars to celebrate the opportunity. One such star was Vanlis. Follow Van Liss below as Van Liss prepares with his coach on the biggest day of his career so far.
(Image credit: Courtesy of Ben Rosser/Coach)
This is the biggest day of my basketball career so far. How do you feel you’re in the draft?
It feels good. Honestly, I’m very calm. I’m very excited to walk along the carpet and sit at the table to find my future, but the majority are calm and enjoyable.
You can be drafted once. Tell us what you look like tonight and why you felt it fit for such a critical moment.
I think the draft is a very unique event. [to dress for.] You don’t want to be a red carpet too [dress like it’s the] I met Gala. At the same time, it’s not like a homecoming or a prom. It’s a kind of mix you have to find. I didn’t want to be too simple either. I wanted to do something a little different and stand out, so I think there was a lot of sparkle in my dress and how I played it with thin fabrics throughout and incorporating the corset and it made it very unique. The orange carpet looks great. It shines well. I think it has a perfect and elegant look, but it also has a youthful look.
Are there any details about your appearance or story from the choice/fitting process that anyone who just saw it from afar may not know?
It was a lot of fun putting together the fitting process and dress. Many of the patterns, beads and sparkles found in dresses actually remake the vintage fabrics of the coach’s various dresses. The way they were all put together is truly unique.
(Image credit: Courtesy of Ben Rosser/Coach)
There are many things to choose the brand to wear in your draft. You’re wearing a custom coach. Do you have any important memories of the brand?
I actually remembered it today, but my first adult gift I got my mother at Christmas was a coach bag from one of those outlet stores. I was so proud of myself that was my gift for her.
How do you describe your personal style, and what can fans expect from you and your tunnels this season?
I play between men and women, but sometimes I get a bit blurry on the lines. I think this is very fun. Mainly, my style is elegant and timeless in that it is not basic, but it passes the test of time. I don’t think I’ll change my style too much and grow, but I don’t. I love something good like an elegant and chic look.
(Image credit: Courtesy of Ben Rosser/Coach)
Who inspiring your style?
Some of the W players I really want inspiration Skylar Diggins-Smith and Shattle Walker – Kimbrough. I think they are two. Both have different styles, but I’m trying to incorporate both tips into what I’m doing.
You are in New York for the New York draft. This city has been visited many times, including New York Fashion Week. What do you like while you’re here?
eat. Eat all the food. I love going out for dinner. I love trying all the desserts. Like my social media feed is a restaurant in New York that people say is crazy. Certainly eat.
(Image credit: Courtesy of Ben Rosser/Coach)
Remember the first massive purchases you made with your own money you earned from playing basketball? What was that?
I went on a trip to Italy a few summers ago and found one (who knows?) real gold cross necklace from a small store. It’s beautiful and I always receive compliments on it. That was my first large purchase with my basketball money.
What do you want to achieve in your time at the WNBA in a year?
I think the goal is to improve myself as a player. Hopefully I will also pursue some of my benefits from the court. You know, as an adult and an expert, I don’t need to be in school, so I’m excited about both of those opportunities.
I bought Haley’s Draft Night Times Square Tabby Bag:
Coach®
Times Square Tabby Shoulder Bag with Quilted
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Source: Latest from Who What Wear – www.whowhatwear.com
