Caitlin Clark hard contact timeline: WNBA's growing history of brutal hits against the face of the sport

Indiana Fever shooting guard Lexie Hull spoke to Fox News Digital about the challenges of the team's surge in attention since 2024. (Jackson Thompson / Fox News Digital)

Caitlin Clark has appeared to carry a target on her back since she came into the WNBA in 2024, or at least many fans see it that way.

From the very first month of Clark's rookie season, she absorbed controversial hits from opposing players, sparking outrage among many fans. Some referees have also come under heavy scrutiny for how they've handled those moments.

The hits on Clark have sparked ensuing debates that often invoke race, sexual orientation and politics.

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Here's how it's all gone down:

Clark was whacked in her first pro game in the Big Apple.

New York Liberty star Breanna Stewart sent Clark flying to the hardwood simply by standing still and setting a screen. Clark was blindsided as she ran full speed into Stewart without looking ahead.

The play was legal, and appeared more to do with Clark not seeing what was in front of her as opposed to Stewart intentionally trying to hurt Clark. But the hit still got the fire started on social media, with many brandishing the play as Clark's "welcome to the league" moment, and some fans criticizing her teammates for not warning her of the screen.

CAITLIN CLARK REVEALS 'WELCOME TO THE W' MOMENT WHEN SHE WAS INJURED EARLY IN 2024 SEASON

Clark spoke her mind very early.

During an early-season game against the Los Angeles Sparks, veteran guards like Kia Nurse and Aari McDonald shadowed Clark relentlessly, full-court pressing her, face-guarding her, and bumping her off her spots every time she tried to navigate through screens. Clark