HEARTBREAK BEFORE TIP-OFF: Lexie Hull Mourns Beloved Dog Maggie, Fever Stars and WNBA Community Rally With Love and Support

Just hours before the Indiana Fever’s high-stakes matchup against the Golden State Valkyries at Bankers Life Fieldhouse, the team’s resilient guard Lexie Hull is facing something far more personal than anything that could unfold on the hardwood — a devastating emotional loss that has shaken her core. On Tuesday night, Hull revealed through an emotional Instagram post that her beloved dog, Maggie, had passed away, sparking an outpouring of support from teammates, opponents, fans, and the greater WNBA community.

The loss comes at an especially challenging time for Hull, who has been carving out a steady role in Indiana’s rotation during a grueling stretch of the season. Her announcement was not just a tribute to a pet, but a heartfelt message brimming with grief, gratitude, and love. “She was more than just a dog,” Hull wrote in the caption of a photo carousel filled with joyful moments. “She was my best friend, my comfort, my heart. I miss you more than words can say, Maggie.”

The emotional blow seemed to transcend basketball — and the response was immediate. WNBA stars, coaches, broadcasters, and fans flooded Hull’s comments and DMs with words of encouragement and empathy. Among the first to publicly reach out were teammates Caitlin Clark and Kristy Wallace, with Clark sharing a photo of Maggie and writing, “Sending you all my love, Lex. You gave her the happiest life,” followed by a heart emoji. Hull later reposted the message to her story, adding, “Thank you, Cait. You’ve been such a rock today.”

It wasn’t just teammates who stepped up. Golden State Valkyries guard Sophie Cunningham — known for her fierce competitiveness — shared a surprising and heartfelt note of her own on social media. “Been there. It’s like losing family,” Cunningham wrote. “Praying for you tonight. Play for her.” Her post included a paw print emoji and a picture of Cunningham holding her own dog from years ago, suggesting a deep understanding of the emotional terrain Hull now finds herself navigating.

In the hours leading up to tip-off, Indiana’s locker room has reportedly been a space of reflection, calm, and unity — with Hull receiving multiple hugs and quiet moments with players and staff. Head coach Christie Sides spoke with reporters briefly before the game, confirming Hull’s status as “available to play,” but emphasized the team’s unwavering support.

“Lexie’s hurting. She’s loved Maggie since college — that dog was family,” Sides said. “Basketball will always be here, but when something hits your heart like that, it puts everything in perspective. We’ve wrapped her in as much love as possible today.”

Hull’s bond with Maggie was well known to fans and those close to the Fever organization. The fluffy golden retriever often appeared in her social media posts, accompanied her to team events, and even had a custom Fever bandana. Teammates frequently joked that Maggie was the team’s unofficial mascot, known for bringing joy during long travel days and tough practices. “Her tail wag alone could light up a room,” said forward NaLyssa Smith in a media scrum. “She was special, just like Lexie.”

The Indiana Fever, no strangers to emotional adversity this season, have turned hardship into unity before. But this moment — so intimately personal — has drawn the team together in a quieter, deeper way. As they prepared to face the red-hot Valkyries in a marquee matchup, there was a noticeably different energy surrounding the team.

Hull, who arrived at Bankers Life Fieldhouse wearing a hoodie emblazoned with Maggie’s name and a paw print, did not speak to the media pregame. But insiders noted that she spent several minutes courtside with Clark and Aliyah Boston in what appeared to be a moment of prayer or silent reflection. The three players shared a group hug before heading to warm-ups.

“Grief doesn’t operate on a schedule,” said ESPN’s LaChina Robinson during the pregame broadcast. “It crashes in waves. For Lexie to even be present tonight is a testament to her mental and emotional strength — and the bond she had with that beautiful dog.”

Throughout Tuesday night, WNBA fans rallied online with the hashtag #ForMaggie trending among Fever supporters. Messages of love came in from around the league, including the Seattle Storm’s Jewell Loyd and Las Vegas Aces’ Chelsea Gray, both of whom expressed condolences and admiration for Hull’s courage. The WNBA Players Association even released a statement offering solidarity and strength to Hull and her loved ones.

While this story began with tragedy, it quickly evolved into something more profound — a reminder of the human beings beneath the jerseys. In a sport known for grit, resilience, and high stakes, moments like this expose the quiet vulnerability that connects us all. For Hull, the basketball court may offer temporary refuge from her grief — a place where routine and rhythm can soothe a heavy heart.

By the time tip-off arrived, Hull was suited up and on the bench, receiving a thunderous ovation from Fever fans as her name was announced. When she checked into the game late in the first quarter, the cheers grew louder, fueled by respect and solidarity. And when she hit a mid-range jumper early in the second quarter — her first points of the night — Caitlin Clark immediately pointed skyward. Hull did the same.

The gesture did not go unnoticed.

“That moment gave me chills,” said Fever broadcaster Pat Boylan. “You could feel it in the arena — that was for Maggie.”

Hull went on to play 17 minutes, scoring 8 points and contributing three rebounds and two steals in a gritty performance that embodied grace through grief. The Fever ultimately fell to the Valkyries in a hard-fought battle, but the scoreboard felt secondary to the story playing out in real time.

After the final buzzer, Hull embraced several teammates and opponents, then turned toward the crowd with tearful eyes and a soft wave. In the postgame press conference, she finally spoke — briefly, but powerfully.

“Today was hard. I wasn’t sure I could do it,” she said, her voice cracking. “But I felt Maggie with me every second. And I felt all of you — your love. I’m grateful.”

She paused and added, “She made me brave.”

In the emotionally charged days to come, Hull’s courage will likely remain a beacon for others facing grief of their own — both in and beyond the WNBA. Her willingness to step into the spotlight not as a basketball player, but as a grieving soul, resonated deeply in a sports world often shielded by toughness.

Lexie Hull played for Maggie. And the WNBA — teammates and rivals alike — played for Lexie.