Unveiling How Caitlin Clark’s Off-Court Friendship Transformed Lexie Hull into a WNBA Star

One of the standout narratives of this WNBA season has been the significant improvement of Indiana Fever’s Lexie Hull. Her year-over-year progress is undeniable, but what’s most remarkable is the drastic transformation she’s undergone month-to-month. After taking a break during the Olympic month, Hull returned as a different player, and many believe she could have even been a contender for the WNBA’s Most Improved Player award.

While Hull’s hard work and determination have been central to her success, a surprising element in her improvement has been her close friendship with fellow rising star Caitlin Clark. Initially, Clark’s jokes about her influence on Hull’s development might have seemed playful, but there’s growing evidence that Clark’s presence has been a significant factor in Hull’s transformation on and off the court.

In a recent article highlighted by Lexie Hull’s mother, the bond between Hull and Clark was emphasized as a key contributor to Hull’s career-best season. Hull’s mom has long been vocal about her daughter’s need for confidence, something Hull had seemingly lost in the transition from college to the WNBA. Despite being a standout shooter in high school and college, Hull struggled to find her rhythm in her first two WNBA seasons. However, her friendship with Clark and the off-court support she received appears to have played a pivotal role in helping her regain that confidence.

During the WNBA Olympic break, Hull and Clark, along with their partners, vacationed together in Mexico. This time away from the court allowed Hull to get to know Clark on a deeper level, discovering the funnier, more relaxed side of the Iowa star. “She’s goofy, funny, and a bit of a prankster,” Hull shared in an interview with USA Today Sports. This bond seems to have helped Hull find a better headspace, which translated into improved performance when she returned to the court.

Kate Martin, a former teammate of Clark at Iowa and now a player with the Las Vegas Aces, has noticed the difference. Martin, who attributes part of her own success to Clark’s influence, said, “The best part of Caitlin’s game is her ability to make her teammates better. Her confidence is contagious, and it makes others believe in themselves.”

Hull’s transformation has been evident since her return from the Olympic break. In a game on August 18th, just Indiana’s second game back, she came off the bench and shot a remarkable six-for-seven from beyond the arc. Clark, quick to recognize her friend’s success, posted on social media, “This is now a Lexie Hull fan account.”

The synergy between Clark and Hull is not only evident off the court but on it as well. Hull has embraced playing alongside Clark, appreciating her playmaking abilities as much as her scoring. Hull said, “Having her on your team makes your team better. I was more excited about her passing ability than her scoring, and it clicked immediately.”

Clark’s influence doesn’t just stop with offensive production. Hull has also become a stronger defender, often tasked with guarding the opposing team’s best player. “She’s tenacious,” Clark said. “She might not be the best on-ball defender, but she’s always diving on the floor and chasing players around.”

This season, the Fever have made a strong playoff push, with contributions from players like Kelsey Mitchell, Aaliyah Boston, and now, a resurgent Lexie Hull. Hull’s newfound confidence, much of which can be traced back to her friendship with Clark, has made her a key part of the team’s success. As the Fever aim to break their postseason drought dating back to 2016, Hull’s chemistry with Clark could prove to be the difference.

For Hull, the biggest takeaway from her journey has been how important team chemistry is. “Yes, you can win without team chemistry,” Hull said, “but it’s a lot easier to win when you have it.” Hull’s friendship with Clark has not only improved her game but may also have helped set the stage for the Fever’s resurgence in the WNBA.

 

Clark, Hull and Fever teammate Katie Lou Samuelson vacationed together in Mexico during the Olympic break.

In the words of Kate Martin, “Caitlin Clark’s ability to elevate her teammates is her biggest asset.” For Lexie Hull, that influence is paying dividends on the court, and as the Fever eye a postseason run, the duo’s relationship continues to be a bright spot for Indiana’s future.