Lexi Hull is quite aware of the attention surrounding the Indiana Fever and the potential envy it brings from others in the league.
In an interview as part of the Women of the Year cover feature, the 26-year-old guard mentioned that the Fever has been getting more media coverage, especially with Caitlin Clark joining the team in 2024 and the WNBA’s growing fan base.
“I think there’s a bit of jealousy aimed at the Fever due to all the publicity and the enthusiastic fans we’ve gained since Kaitlyn arrived,” Hull shared, referring to Clark, who was the top pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft. “I’ve overheard players and teams in the locker room say things like, ‘We’re not going to let the Fever win.’
Clark’s entrance into the league significantly boosted viewership, which has led to some speculation about jealousy from competitors.
Hull, who was chosen sixth overall by Indiana after her time at Stanford in 2022, suggests that opponents can harness that jealousy as “extra motivation” when they face the Fever on the court.
“If that drives you to outperform us because it’s beyond our control, then that’s fine. If that pushes others to work harder,” she explained. “I really think we need more of that across the league. Everyone should strive to bring out the best in one another, and I feel like I’m doing just that.”
In Clark’s first season, the Fever achieved a balanced 20-20 record and made it to the playoffs, ultimately falling in the opening match against the Connecticut Sun.
This season, however, has been challenging due to injuries. Clark, who clinched the Rookie of the Year title in 2024, has been sidelined with issues including quadriceps and groin injuries as well as a bone bruise on her ankle. Her last appearance was on July 15.
Additionally, teammate Sophie Cunningham faced a season-ending knee injury in August, while the Fever also lost Sidney Colson to a torn ACL and Aari McDonald to a fractured leg.
Ultimately, the Fever concluded the regular season with 24 wins and 20 losses, getting knocked out by the eventual WNBA champions, the Aces, in the playoff semifinals.
