Sophie Cunningham is no stranger to adversity – and no stranger to growth. After being traded to the Indiana Fever in February following six seasons with the Phoenix Mercury, the veteran guard is approaching her new opportunity with renewed focus and a hunger for success.
“I think that since I’ve been out here in Phoenix it hasn’t always been easy,” Cunningham said in a recent interview with the New York Post.
“There’s been a lot of trials. There’s been a lot of lessons learned… but I think it’s built me. It’s made me tougher. It’s tested my persistence and my mental quite a bit.”
Her move to Indiana places her right in the eye of the storm – a team now under national scrutiny thanks to the arrival of WNBA phenom Caitlin Clark, who was drafted No. 1 overall and named 2024 Rookie of the Year.
With the Fever slated to have 41 of their 44 games televised this season, Cunningham understands the pressure but welcomes it.
A new environment, a bigger role, and a shot at a championship
Indiana’s offseason moves made headlines. Along with Clark, the Fever added experienced players like DeWanna Bonner and Natasha Howard, both WNBA champions.
Cunningham sees this new lineup as the perfect blend of talent and experience to make a serious title run.
“I think I am built for this,” she said. “And that doesn’t mean it’s always going to be rainbows and butterflies… but when you’re in a good mindset and you’re around really good people who have a common goal, it works.”
In addition to the team’s high-profile roster, Cunningham is looking forward to stepping into a more involved role in head coach Stephanie White‘s offense, which emphasizes movement and communication.
After spending much of her time in Phoenix operating in a catch-and-shoot role, she’s eager to contribute in more dynamic ways.
“It’s just a new, great opportunity,” she said. “Not a lot of people get that opportunity in their career to go somewhere where they think they’re going to thrive.”
With added support from new GM Amber Cox, and the ability to play closer to home in Missouri, everything is aligning for Cunningham – and she knows it.
“I’m just refocused,” she added. “It’s time for me to level up… It’s a year of growth. I’m excited for all that.”
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