In the heart of Indianapolis, where the echoes of basketball legends still reverberate through Gainbridge Fieldhouse, a new duo is rapidly electrifying the court, reviving hope, and infusing undeniable charisma into the Indiana Fever. Sophie Cunningham and Lexie Hull, two names that might have once flown under the radar in the shadow of the WNBA’s established stars, are now center stage—bringing grit, hustle, and energy that’s as contagious as it is game-changing.
The Fever, a franchise long aching for a resurgence, are no longer just Caitlin Clark’s new home or Aliyah Boston’s developmental ground. They’re also the battleground for two relentless competitors: Sophie and Lexie, who are redefining what it means to be role players in a league that demands both excellence and entertainment. This article dives into how this dynamic duo is powering up the Fever’s 2025 season—on and off the court.
Sophie Cunningham: Swagger, Strength, and a Sharpshooter’s Confidence
Sophie Cunningham’s arrival in Indiana was met with curiosity. The former Missouri standout, known for her fiery demeanor and “never back down” mentality, had previously shown flashes of brilliance with the Phoenix Mercury. But in a crowded roster alongside Diana Taurasi and Skylar Diggins-Smith, her full potential was often under wraps.
That’s changed in Indiana.
Cunningham brings more than just three-point shooting to the Fever. She brings intensity. She brings leadership. And most of all, she brings ENERGY. Whether it’s jawing with opponents, diving for loose balls, or hyping her teammates from the bench, Cunningham is the beating heart of this revitalized team culture. Averaging 11.8 points per game so far this season while shooting 39.4% from beyond the arc, she’s become the reliable perimeter threat Indiana desperately needed to balance the post dominance of Aliyah Boston and the playmaking of Caitlin Clark.
But beyond numbers, it’s her attitude that’s made waves. During a recent matchup against the New York Liberty, Cunningham stared down Sabrina Ionescu after a made three, pounding her chest and yelling toward the Fever bench. The crowd roared. Her teammates rose. It was a moment—one that summed up her impact.
“She’s the firestarter,” Clark said postgame. “When Sophie’s fired up, we all are. She gives us confidence.”
Lexie Hull: Defense, Hustle, and a Coach’s Dream
While Cunningham thrives in the spotlight, Lexie Hull works in the trenches—hustling on every possession, scrapping for steals, and guarding the opposing team’s best perimeter players with quiet ferocity. A 2022 first-round pick out of Stanford, Hull has endured a learning curve in the WNBA, but the 2025 season is where she’s breaking out.
Hull’s defense has been elite. In an early-season win over the Las Vegas Aces, Hull recorded five steals and limited Jackie Young to just nine points, one of her lowest outputs of the season. Her lateral quickness, hand activity, and anticipation have made her a defensive anchor in the backcourt.
But that’s not all. Her offense is catching up. She’s become more confident in her shooting stroke—hitting 37% of her threes this season, up significantly from her rookie campaign. She’s also moving well off the ball, finding cutting lanes, and creating fast break opportunities alongside Clark.
“She’s the glue,” Fever head coach Christie Sides said. “Every team needs a player like Lexie. Someone who does the little things—someone who doesn’t need the limelight but earns everyone’s respect.”
Off the court, Hull brings a grounded, cerebral approach to the locker room, a byproduct of her Stanford education and analytical mindset. Teammates call her “The Professor”—and not just because she’s one of the few players who reads scouting reports like novels.
The Energy Duo: More Than Just Basketball
While Cunningham and Hull bring different energies, together they create an incredible balance for the Fever. Sophie is loud, expressive, and thrives on adrenaline. Lexie is composed, methodical, and relentless. They push each other in practice and feed off each other in games.
“We’re like opposite batteries that charge the same circuit,” Cunningham said with a laugh. “She’s quiet storm. I’m thunder. But it works.”
Their synergy has become a key subplot to Indiana’s 2025 story. Whether they’re rallying the second unit or finishing games with the starters, Sophie and Lexie have emerged as indispensable pieces of the Fever’s puzzle. They’re not just “role players” anymore—they’re catalysts.
Off the court, their personalities also mesh well. Social media has been buzzing with clips of the two engaging in TikTok dances, behind-the-scenes locker room fun, and impromptu community events around Indianapolis. From hosting youth clinics together to participating in Fever’s “Hoops and Hope” charity events, their impact extends far beyond basketball.
“They bring joy,” said Aliyah Boston. “Every team has its core, but you also need soul. They give us that.”
Supporting Caitlin Clark and Aliyah Boston: A Collective Mission
With all the national attention on Caitlin Clark’s rookie campaign and Aliyah Boston’s growth into a perennial All-Star, players like Sophie and Lexie could easily fade into the background. But instead of resenting the spotlight’s focus elsewhere, they’ve embraced their supporting roles—and are thriving in them.
Cunningham, in particular, has emerged as one of Clark’s fiercest protectors on the court. In a chippy matchup against the Chicago Sky, Cunningham immediately stood up for Clark after a hard foul, barking at the officials and shielding the rookie during the brief scuffle.
“Caitlin’s our sister,” she said postgame. “She’s gonna take hits because of who she is. I got her back. Always.”
Hull, on the other hand, has quietly become Clark’s defensive shadow in practice—challenging her to get better with each rep, forcing turnovers, and preparing her for the physicality of the league. The rookie credits Lexie as one of the key reasons her adjustment to WNBA pace has been smoother than expected.
“I’m lucky to have teammates like Sophie and Lexie,” Clark told reporters. “They’ve taught me toughness and how to be a pro.”
Fever Rising: A Team Reborn
The Indiana Fever haven’t made the playoffs since 2016, but this season feels different. With the additions of Clark and Cunningham, the rise of Hull, and Boston’s continued dominance in the paint, the team has a core that’s youthful, tough, and cohesive.
At the heart of this new identity are Sophie and Lexie—grit and grind, flair and finesse.
As the Fever continue their march through the 2025 WNBA season, don’t just watch for the big names and highlight-reel passes. Watch the sideline energy. Watch the floor burns. Watch the defensive rotations. That’s where you’ll find Sophie & Lexie—bringing the juice, setting the tone, and turning Indiana into a basketball battleground once again.
Final Thoughts: More Than a Hashtag
“Bringing the energy” isn’t just a tagline—it’s a culture. And in the Indiana Fever locker room, Sophie Cunningham and Lexie Hull are the culture setters. Whether it’s a clutch three from Sophie, a huge steal from Lexie, or their infectious laughter during team dinners, this duo has given Fever fans a reason to believe.
The WNBA thrives on stars, but it’s sustained by players like Sophie and Lexie—those who pour heart, hustle, and humanity into every game. Together, they’ve become the spirit of a resurgent Indiana franchise.
