Since joining the Indiana Fever from the Phoenix Mercury in a four-team trade ahead of the 2025 WNBA season,Sophie Cunningham has made an immediate impact. Fever fans quickly embraced her as one of their own.
Beyond her athletic performance, Cunningham has built a strong connection with fans on social media, amassing over one million followers on TikTok. Her Indiana Fever jersey has sold out in online stores, a clear sign of her rising popularity.
But this week, Sophie Cunningham’s name trended for a different reason: a viral image that emerged after a heated game between the Indiana Fever and the Connecticut Sun.
A controversial play turns her into a hero
In the final minutes of the Fever-Sun matchup, Cunningham reacted to a hard foul against her teammate Caitlin Clark. On a fast break, she shoved Jacy Sheldon to the floor, sparking a scuffle that reached the stands. The intense scene sparked mixed reactions – some praised her for standing up for a teammate, while others saw it as unnecessary aggression.
Connecticut coach Rachid Meziane didn’t hold back, calling it a “stupid play” and “disrespectful.” He added, “When you’re up by 17 points and do that, it’s absurd.” Meziane also criticized the ejections of Sheldon and Lindsay Allen, claiming “they didn’t do anything to deserve it.”
Despite the backlash, Cunningham’s gesture elevated her to hero status among Fever fans. On Thursday night, a fan shared a photo of her on X (formerly Twitter) with the caption: “Our bodyguard.” The image quickly racked up over five million views in less than 24 hours, cementing her image as a tough and loyal teammate.
Cunningham becomes Indiana’s new star
Averaging 6.4 points and 4.3 rebounds per game, Cunningham has become a key bench player under head coach Stephanie White. Her intensity, charisma, and fearlessness have made her stand out on a roster dominated by the spotlight of Caitlin Clark – positioning Sophie as a new cult figure within the franchise.
All eyes will now be on her in the upcoming game against the Las Vegas Aces. Can she keep the viral momentum alive and continue her rise in the WNBA spotlight?
One thing is clear: Sophie Cunningham is no longer just another player. She represents the passion, grit, and fan connection that the WNBA celebrates.
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