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If you were scrolling through TikTok or Instagram late in the 2025 WNBA season, you probably did a double-take. There was Indiana Fever guard Lexie Hull, glasses off, looking like she’d just gone twelve rounds in a heavyweight title fight. The "raccoon eyes" were unmistakable. It wasn't a filter. It wasn't a weird makeup trend. It was the literal, bruised-up face of a player who refuses to back down from a loose ball.
The Lexie Hull black eye saga became one of those viral sports moments that perfectly bridged the gap between "Ouch, that looks painful" and "Wow, she is incredibly tough."
The Collision: August 26, 2024
It happened in a flash. The Indiana Fever were hosting the Seattle Storm at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. About seven minutes into the first quarter, things got messy. A loose ball hit the floor, and in the WNBA, those aren't just orange spheres; they're opportunities. Hull and Seattle’s Gabby Williams both went for it at full throttle.
They didn't just bump. They cracked heads. Hard.
The sound alone was enough to make the front row winced. Both players hit the hardwood in visible pain. While Williams eventually checked back in, Hull headed to the locker room with trainers. When she re-emerged on the bench, she was sporting a knot on her forehead that looked like a golf ball.
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But here’s the thing about Lexie: she didn't sit out. She went back in, finished with five points and nine rebounds, and helped the Fever secure a 95-75 win. Honestly, most people would be looking for an ice pack and a dark room, but she was out there hunting boards.
From a Knot to "Raccoon Eyes"
The biology of a black eye is kinda gross but fascinating. That massive hematoma on her forehead? Gravity is a jerk. Over the next 48 hours, the blood and fluid from the forehead injury migrated downward.
By the time the Fever were getting ready to play the Los Angeles Sparks on August 29, the knot was smaller, but the "shiners" had arrived in full force. We're talking deep purple, symmetrical bruises under both eyes.
Hull took to TikTok to give fans the update, jokingly removing her glasses and saying, "I wish this was a filter, but this is insane." She was essentially lean-leaning into the "raccoon" look. It’s one of those injuries that looks way worse than it feels—once you’ve cleared concussion protocol, anyway. And she did. Fever trainers were meticulous, putting her through the ringer to ensure there were no facial fractures or lingering brain fog before letting her touch the court again.
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Why the Lexie Hull Black Eye Became a Badge of Honor
In a league that has seen a massive surge in popularity thanks to names like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese, the "scrappy" players sometimes get overlooked. This injury changed that for Lexie. Her coach, Stephanie White, couldn't stop smiling about it—not because she likes seeing her players hurt, but because it was "picture-perfect" proof of Hull’s grit.
- The Fashion Statement: Instead of hiding, Hull turned the bruises into a vibe. She posted photos in her Athleta gear with the caption "took the song a little too literally," referencing the "two black eyes" lyric.
- The Teammate Support: Caitlin Clark, known for her sharp tongue and quick wit, couldn't resist roasting her friend, while also praising her toughness. Aliyah Boston was right there too, calling the look "gorgeous" because it represented her teammate's "tenacity and grit."
- The Fan Response: By Halloween 2025, we were seeing "Black Eye Lexie" avatars and costumes. It became a symbol of the "new" WNBA—tough, unapologetic, and highly visible.
Playing Through the Pain
The 2025 season wasn't easy for the Fever. With several stars sidelined by injuries, including Clark at various points, Hull became the ultimate "glue" player. She didn't miss a single game because of those eyes.
Actually, she went on a bit of a tear. Throughout late August and September, while the bruises were yellowing and fading, she was recording career highs in rebounds and steals. It was as if the "raccoon eyes" gave her a defensive boost. She finished the season averaging 7.4 points and 4.3 rebounds—numbers that don't quite capture the energy she brings to every possession.
What Most People Get Wrong
There was a brief moment of internet panic where people thought the injury was the result of a "dirty play" or a locker room scuffle. Let’s be clear: it was a 100% basketball play. Gabby Williams and Lexie Hull are both high-motor athletes. When two people run at 15 miles per hour toward the same spot on the floor, physics happens. Williams actually checked on Hull immediately, and there’s zero bad blood between them.
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It’s also worth noting that while the eyes were the most visible injury, Hull was battling a series of "battle wounds" all year, including a back injury in the playoffs after getting run over by A'ja Wilson. The black eyes were just the only ones that required a good concealer.
Practical Insights for High-Impact Athletes
If you find yourself with a similar "gift" from the basketball court, here is the reality of the recovery:
- Ice is your best friend for the first 24 hours. It constricts the vessels and keeps the swelling (the "knot") from getting out of hand.
- Elevation matters. Sleep with your head up to keep the fluid from settling as aggressively under your eyes.
- Check the "Flags." Lexie didn't just "tough it out." She was cleared by medical pros. If you have blurred vision, a persistent headache, or a "curtain" over your sight, get to a doctor immediately.
Lexie Hull is heading into the 2026 season as a fan favorite for a reason. She showed that you can be a "model-like" athlete (as some outlets call her) and still be the one diving face-first into the floor for a win.
Next Steps for Fans:
Keep an eye on the 2026 WNBA free agency trackers. Hull is a player every championship contender wants because she does the dirty work. If you're looking to support her, check out her collaborations with brands like Athleta, which she famously wore while sporting those iconic bruises.