In a heartwarming turn of events, the intense rivalry between WNBA stars Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese has momentarily softened, united by the joyous news of their mutual friend and teammate, Lexie Hull’s engagement.
Hull, a standout player for the Indiana Fever, shared the happy news on Instagram, posting a black-and-white photo showcasing her engagement ring and a simple emoji caption. She and her fiancé, Will Matthiessen, first met as student-athletes at Stanford University.
This engagement marks a significant milestone in Hull’s already remarkable year, which included leading the Rose Basketball Club to the inaugural Unrivaled 3×3 league title in March.
A temporary pause in the rivalry
The announcement of Hull’s engagement has led to an unexpected pause in the fierce competition between Clark and Reese. Both players, known for their on-court intensity, took to social media to express their happiness for Hull.
Clark’s exuberant “YAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYY SO HAPPY” and Reese’s enthusiastic “GO BIG LEXIEEEEEE SO HAPPY FOR YOU” highlight the camaraderie that exists off the court among these athletes.
The relationship between Clark and Reese has evolved from fierce competitors in college basketball to professional teammates in the WNBA.
Their rivalry reached its peak during the 2023 NCAA championship game between LSU and Iowa, drawing nearly 10 million viewers and setting a record for the most-watched women’s college basketball game. Despite their competitive nature, Reese has expressed a desire to play alongside Clark in the future, emphasizing the mutual respect and admiration between the two stars.
Upcoming emotional homecomings
As the WNBA season approaches, both Clark and Reese are preparing for emotional homecomings during preseason games. The Indiana Fever will face Brazil at Carver-Hawkeye Arena, while the Chicago Sky will play at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center. For Clark and Reese, these games represent a return to the venues where they achieved collegiate success, adding personal significance to the upcoming matchups.
In a league that continues to grow in prominence, moments like these showcase the bonds that transcend competition, reminding fans of the shared humanity and sportsmanship that define the WNBA.
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