The announcement came as a surprise to many fans of the WNBA, especially those who had been eagerly awaiting Caitlin Clark’s debut in the professional 3-Point Contest. BREAKING: Indiana Fever guard Lexie Hull has been named as the replacement for Caitlin Clark in the WNBA 3-Point Contest. The news has sparked a wave of mixed emotions among fans, players, and analysts alike. While some are disappointed not to see Clark light up the arc with her trademark range, others are excited to witness Hull step into the spotlight and show what she’s capable of on a national stage.
Caitlin Clark, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft and the most electrifying rookie the league has seen in years, had been slated to participate in the 3-Point Contest as part of the league’s All-Star Weekend festivities. Her involvement had generated an enormous amount of media attention, not just because of her popularity from her college days at Iowa, but also due to her already impactful presence in the WNBA. But for reasons not fully disclosed at the time of the announcement, Clark will not be taking part in the event. That left the door open for Lexie Hull, a fellow Fever guard and former Stanford standout, to step into the role.
Lexie Hull is no stranger to hard work and perseverance. Drafted sixth overall in 2022, Hull has worked tirelessly to improve her game and solidify her role with the Fever. Though not always a starter, Hull has brought valuable minutes off the bench, providing defensive grit, hustle, and increasingly reliable perimeter shooting. Her journey hasn’t been the same meteoric rise as Clark’s, but it’s one that embodies the spirit of determination and quiet excellence that often goes underappreciated in professional sports.
The decision to choose Hull as Clark’s replacement appears to be one grounded in both team representation and merit. The Fever, as the host team for this year’s All-Star festivities, were expected to have strong representation across the weekend. With Clark unable to compete, the WNBA and the team likely saw Hull as the most fitting and deserving replacement—not just because of logistics, but because she’s proven she can hit from deep and contribute meaningfully under pressure. Hull currently ranks among the league’s more accurate shooters from long range when factoring in her minutes played and shot attempts. While she may not have the raw volume of attempts that a player like Clark boasts, her efficiency cannot be ignored.
Stepping into a competition that was supposed to feature one of the league’s brightest new stars is no small task. There’s no question that Hull will face an uphill battle in terms of public expectations and media scrutiny. But those who’ve followed her career know that she’s always been the type to embrace a challenge. At Stanford, she played a key role in their 2021 national championship run. Her ability to deliver in high-stakes situations has never been in doubt. And now, with all eyes on her, she has the chance to step into a high-profile role and etch her name into WNBA history.
What makes this moment particularly poignant is the contrasting trajectories of the two guards. Clark’s stardom has been meteoric and almost unprecedented. From record-shattering performances at Iowa to her rapid rise as a rookie sensation in the WNBA, she’s become a household name. Hull, on the other hand, has had to grind quietly, improve incrementally, and find her place within the team dynamic. Her inclusion in the 3-Point Contest offers her a rare spotlight moment that many players of her profile rarely get. It’s an opportunity not just for personal recognition, but to inspire other players who may not be the face of the league but who still contribute meaningfully every day.
The WNBA 3-Point Contest is no easy affair. Past winners include elite sharpshooters like Allie Quigley, who won the event three times. The format requires not just accuracy but stamina, rhythm, and poise under pressure. Hull’s mechanics are compact and efficient—traits that bode well for a timed, volume-based shooting competition. She has also shown an ability to shoot well in catch-and-shoot scenarios, which aligns with the structure of the contest. However, the mental side of the event can’t be underestimated. Performing in front of a national audience with very little time to prepare, and with the shadow of Caitlin Clark looming large, will test her nerves.
Still, the 3-Point Contest is also about fun, flair, and celebrating the skill that makes the women’s game so captivating. It’s a space where underdogs often shine. Lexie Hull has an opening to do just that. There’s always a surprise or two in these contests—an unexpected heater, a perfect rack, a buzzer-beating last ball—and Hull could provide one of those magical moments. The fact that she’s being given the opportunity is a testament to her hard work and the respect she’s earned within the league, even if her name isn’t always splashed across headlines.
Reactions from fans have been wide-ranging. Some expressed disappointment that Clark won’t be suiting up for the contest, especially considering the buzz surrounding her participation. Others have rallied behind Hull, applauding the WNBA for giving another Fever player a shot and celebrating the depth of talent in the league. Social media has been filled with messages of encouragement for Hull, including shoutouts from former Stanford teammates and coaches. Even some of Clark’s fans have turned their support to Hull, recognizing that success in the WNBA is a team journey and not just about individual stardom.
From a broader perspective, the situation serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of sports and the need for depth, readiness, and opportunity. Hull’s participation speaks to the WNBA’s commitment to recognizing and promoting talent beyond just its most visible stars. For young girls watching at home, it sends a powerful message: that hard work, humility, and perseverance still get rewarded, even in a league that is growing more star-driven by the year.
This moment also underscores the evolving narrative of the Indiana Fever. Once a struggling franchise searching for its identity, the Fever have begun to cultivate a new culture—one that mixes raw star power like Clark’s with steady contributors like Hull. The team’s overall competitiveness is on the rise, and events like this showcase the chemistry and internal development taking place within the organization. Lexie Hull’s appearance in the 3-Point Contest may not have been planned, but it aligns perfectly with the Fever’s story of resurgence, depth, and unity.
For Caitlin Clark, her absence will certainly be felt. Fans were eager to see her challenge some of the league’s best shooters, and no doubt the TV ratings would have spiked with her participation. However, it’s likely that this is just a minor delay in what is shaping up to be a long and successful career. Her impact on the league remains undeniable, and she’ll have plenty more opportunities to dazzle in contests and games alike. Perhaps sitting out this year’s 3-Point Contest will even help her conserve energy for what matters most: leading her team into the playoffs and continuing to grow as a leader on and off the court.
In the end, the torch—for this one event at least—has been passed, however temporarily, to Lexie Hull. What she does with it could define not only her own legacy but serve as a touchstone for fans and players who cherish the overlooked, the hardworking, and the relentlessly committed. All eyes will be on her when the contest begins, and whether she sinks one shot or a flurry of them, she’s already proven she belongs in this league.
There’s a poetic justice to the story too. Two players on the same team, one the face of the future and the other the embodiment of consistency and teamwork, both being celebrated during All-Star Weekend. While Caitlin Clark will be missed in the 3-Point Contest, Lexie Hull’s inclusion adds a new layer of intrigue and inspiration to the event. Sports are about moments—expected and unexpected—and this is Lexie Hull’s moment to seize.
