Indiana Fever player Lexie Hull acknowledges the significant shift in the team's environment since Caitlin Clark's arrival. "The most challenging part is there's just so much scrutiny. People have opinions online, and, unfortunately, that's part of the job," Hull stated. She emphasized that personal attacks on character cross a line, asserting, "Everyone's human. We're real people."
Hull, drafted in 2022, noted the increased motivation from opposing teams due to the Fever's surge in popularity. "As an opposing team, you'd want to win even more because you feel there's so many people rooting," she explained.
Regarding the physicality of games, Hull believes the sport is inherently physical and that social media amplifies perceptions. "People want to win. I think people just want to win. ... [The games] are all physical. … They all get chippy at times," she said.
Hull highlighted the rewarding aspect of inspiring young girls to pursue professional athletics. "Girls have the ability to watch us, see us, dream about being professional athletes. And that's what's been the most rewarding part about it," she shared.
Reflecting on the team's playoff run last year, Hull expressed a championship mindset. "Tasting that and being so close and feeling like we have so much more to give, I think that just changes our mindset a little bit," she commented. The team, including Hull, Caitlin Clark, and Sophie Cunningham, has embraced the nickname "Tres Leches."
Hull stated the team focuses on their game and relationships, unaffected by increased attention. "Knowing that there's more eyes on us, knowing that there's more seats in the stands, all of that is exciting, but I don't think that necessarily changes how we go about the game," she concluded.