When Sophie Cunningham joined the Indiana Fever in January, she was already a familiar face to fans. The 28-year-old guard has been in the league for seven years, although it was this last season that brought her greater popularity.
However, fans grew even fonder of her when they saw her defend Caitlin Clark in the game against the Connecticut Sun on June 17.
There, Caitlin was elbowed in the eye by Jacy Sheldon. In response, CC pushed her, and then Marina Mabrey knocked Clark to the ground with a shove. After the collision and near the end of the game, Sophie did not forgive Sheldon and committed a hard foul on her, which led to an intense altercation and both were ejected along with Lindsay Allen.
In addition, Sophie has reacted harshly to the fine imposed on her by the league for a TikTok she posted.
Her style and actions led her to be the center of attention for the founder and co-owner of Women of Wrestling (WOW).
From basketball to body slams
David McLane has no doubt that Cunningham could be suited for wrestling, and he expressed this during the San Diego Comic Con panel on Friday, stating that Caitlin Clark “has an enforcer and is an impressive athlete.”
I flew to Las Vegas and watched them in action against the Aces, and I would love to have Sophia Cunningham in WoW, because she takes down the competition, and she makes sure that Caitlin Clark is safe on the basketball floor.
And if you still think wrestling is “in mud, oil, or jelly,” WOW co-founder and Los Angeles Lakers owner Jeanie Buss felt the same way.
“David first invited me to come see women of wrestling,” Buss began, admitting that she made up a thousand excuses not to go because she had the same view of wrestling as in “the 90s.” Until she saw it for herself: “I am so proud of how far it’s come. And all those images are out of your mind. It’s a real sport, and these are real athletes.”
And Cunningham has not only proven to be a formidable opponent with combat experience on the court, but at the age of six she earned her black belt in taekwondo. For this reason, she has a solid foundation in discipline, focus, and control, key tools for her career as a basketball player, but also as a wrestler, if she accepts the offer. Will we see Sophie in the ring?
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