Lexie Hull had an emotional three-word reaction after WNBA fans remembered her on Halloween with a viral image of her with a black eye following a serious collision in September.
In the world of professional basketball, where physical battles are part of every game, few moments capture the raw grit of a player quite like Lexie Hull’s unforgettable injury during the 2025 WNBA season. The Indiana Fever guard, known for her relentless defense and sharpshooting from beyond the arc, became an instant symbol of toughness after a head-on collision left her with not one, but two striking black eyes. What started as a painful on-court mishap in late August evolved into a viral sensation, culminating in a heartwarming Halloween tribute from fans that moved Hull to a simple yet profound response.
The incident occurred on August 26, 2025, during a matchup against the Seattle Storm at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Early in the first quarter, as Storm guard Skylar Diggins-Smith drove to the basket, Hull positioned herself to take a charge. The ball was poked loose, and in the scramble, Hull turned to pursue it—just as Seattle’s Gabby Williams lunged for the same loose ball. Their heads collided with a sickening thud, sending both players sprawling to the floor in obvious pain. Hull, clutching her forehead, was helped off the court and taken to the locker room for evaluation, leaving fans and teammates holding their breath.
Medical staff checked Hull for a concussion and potential facial fractures, but remarkably, she cleared protocol and returned to the game. A large knot swelled on her forehead, earning comparisons to a “unicorn horn” among onlookers. The Fever went on to dominate, winning 95-75, but the real story unfolded in the days that followed. As the hematoma—a collection of blood under the skin—began to dissipate, the blood migrated downward, settling around Hull’s eyes. By the next morning, she woke up to raccoon-like bruising that darkened both sockets, a classic sign of basal skull trauma, though thankfully not severe in her case.
Hull didn’t hide from the cameras. She shared updates on social media, posting a TikTok video while wearing oversized sunglasses. “It’s really funny you ask that, because it’s not doing great,” she said, removing the shades to reveal the gnarly purple-and-black rings. “I wish this was a filter, but this is insane. I’ve worn these glasses all day, but the knot is gone. I’m still a little sore here, but instead, I just have two black eyes.” Her humor shone through, turning a frightening injury into a relatable moment. Teammates and opponents alike praised her resilience. Fever head coach Stephanie White called her “tough as nails,” noting how the black eyes epitomized Hull’s unbreakable spirit. Even NBA star Tyrese Haliburton, a fellow Indiana pacers standout, chimed in with encouragement.
Undeterred, Hull suited up for the Fever’s next games, warming up with the visible bruises that drew stares from opponents and media. She played through the discomfort, contributing steals, rebounds, and clutch three-pointers as Indiana pushed for a playoff spot amid a season riddled with injuries to stars like Caitlin Clark. Photos of Hull dribbling with her “raccoon eyes” went viral, amassing millions of views and turning her into a meme of perseverance. She even posed for a photoshoot the day after the collision, crediting makeup artists for masking the swelling so effectively that casual observers couldn’t tell. In one viral Instagram post, Hull edited black eyes onto her entire Fever squad, joking, “If I get black eyes, everyone gets black eyes.” The league’s growing fanbase latched onto her story, celebrating a player who embodied the WNBA’s physical demands.
Fast-forward to Halloween 2025, and Hull’s injury had cemented its place in WNBA lore. Fans across the country paid homage in the most creative way: by dressing as “Black-Eye Lexie.” An Instagram reel from Overtime Women’s Basketball showcased a montage of enthusiasts—men, women, children, and even pets—donning Indiana Fever No. 10 jerseys while applying dark makeup around their eyes to mimic the iconic look. Some added fake forehead knots for extra authenticity, turning the painful memory into a festive costume. The video exploded online, racking up likes and shares as it highlighted the bond between players and supporters in a league experiencing unprecedented popularity.
Hull, scrolling through her feed on October 31, stumbled upon the tribute. Touched by the outpouring of love and humor, she commented on the post with a heartfelt three-word reaction: “This is amazing.” Her response captured the emotion of the moment—gratitude mixed with amusement at seeing her lowest point transformed into a celebration of her toughness. It wasn’t just about the costumes; it was fans remembering her sacrifice, her return to the court, and her role in the Fever’s gritty season. In a follow-up story, Hull reposted fan photos, laughing emojis abound, further endearing her to the WNBA community.
This Halloween homage underscored Hull’s rising status in the league. Drafted sixth overall in 2022 out of Stanford, the 6-foot-1 guard has evolved into a versatile two-way force, averaging career highs in points and three-point percentage during the 2025 campaign. Her black eyes became more than an injury; they were a badge of honor, reminding everyone that behind the highlights are athletes who play through pain. As the Fever eyed the postseason, Hull’s story inspired teammates and rookies alike, proving that vulnerability can coexist with strength.
In the end, what could have been a forgettable bruise became a viral legacy. Fans didn’t just dress up—they honored a player who refused to back down. Hull’s “This is amazing” wasn’t just words; it was an emotional acknowledgment that in the WNBA’s spotlight, even the toughest moments can spark joy and connection. As the league continues to grow, stories like hers ensure that the human element—the heart, the humor, the hustle—remains at its core
