Caitlin Clark’s connection with her fans has been one of the biggest parts of her rise in the WNBA. From acknowledging supporters in the stands to recognizing their love for the Indiana Fever, the 24-year-old has built a bond with a fanbase that has followed her every step of the way. One such connection reached a heartbreaking end as one of her biggest supporters, Jessica Schoffel, has passed away.

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Known to Fever fans as @FeverBandwagon on X, Schoffel was a passionate supporter of Clark and the Fever, regularly sharing her excitement about their journey. Her passing has prompted an outpouring of tributes from the Fever community, with fans and even Lexie Hull’s mother, Jamie, remembering the impact she had through her unwavering support.

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“I am so sad to hear this! She has reached out to me many times in support of Lexie/team. What a positive & caring person in this world of negativity. I will miss her uplifting messages after games. Such a genuine fan. You will be missed by many Jess! 💗,” Jamie wrote under an X post by Schoffel.

Another fan added, “Rest in peace Jess, one of Caitlin Clark’s biggest fans. She was a beloved kindergarten teacher in her community.”

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Beyond her unwavering support for Caitlin Clark, Schoffel spent 22 years teaching in Littleton Public Schools, where she left a lasting mark on her students and colleagues. Alongside her friend and fellow teacher Heather Love, she helped create an outdoor classroom at Russell Street School in 2018.

So a GoFundMe created in her memory is now raising money to renovate that outdoor classroom and install a memorial bench in her honor. A second fundraiser will also donate buddy benches and children’s books to the Trumansburg Playground as a reflection of Schoffel’s lifelong commitment to helping children feel included and supported.

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According to reports, Caitlin Clark also showed her support for Schoffel’s family by donating $2,000 to one of the fundraisers created in her memory. Schoffel’s passing has clearly left a mark on the Fever community as fans continue to take to social media to send their well-wishes and say their goodbyes.

“RIP Jess 😞🙏 You will be missed,” a fan added. Another wrote, “Oh honey, our hearts are broken. Hope they go all the way and win the chip for your beautiful soul 🙏🏻❤️.”

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This heartbreaking news comes as the Indiana Fever continue their push toward the playoffs, with just seven games remaining in the regular season.

The Fever currently sit fourth in the WNBA standings with a 24-13 record, and fans are hoping the team can finish the season strong in Jess’ memory, as one fan simply wrote, “We love you, Jess 🤍.”

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The tributes for Schoffel continue to pour in, but her legacy extends well beyond her support for Caitlin Clark and the Fever. From the classrooms she touched to the fan community that now remembers her, Jess left behind a level of warmth that won’t be forgotten.

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