Sophie Cunningham, the Indiana Fever shooting guard, attracted widespread attention after committing a flagrant foul on Connecticut Sun’s Jacy Sheldon on June 18. The incident sparked debate among WNBA fans, with some viewing the foul as unnecessary, while others saw it as a strategic move to send a message during the intense matchup.
Earlier in the game, Connecticut’s Marina Mabrey had collided with Caitlin Clark, who then reacted to an eye poke from Sheldon. During the continued tensions, Cunningham held Sheldon in a clinch before referees intervened, restoring order. Despite the controversy, Cunningham’s aggressive play helped her gain over 500,000 TikTok followers and doubled her Instagram audience, significantly increasing her public profile.
How Cunningham’s Toughness and Versatility Defined Her Athletic Career
Cunningham’s reputation as a tenacious competitor is well established, extending beyond basketball. Bobby Burack of Outkick highlights Cunningham’s early achievement of earning a taekwondo black belt at just six years old, emphasizing a foundation of discipline and toughness. Additionally, Cunningham showcased her versatility by stepping up as a football placekicker for Rock Bridge High School in Columbia, Missouri. A viral video shows her on the sidelines performing extra points, where she filled in after the team’s primary kicker suffered an ACL injury and successfully converted two kicks.
“Love this story — Not only did Sophie Cunningham lead her HS basketball team to 3 straight state titles, she also filled in for the football team’s injured kicker, participating in the required 14 practices before making her debut, making 2-of-4 XPs and nailing her kickoffs.… pic.twitter.com/pZqiD0X7Ux”
— Indiana Fever ® (@TheIndianaFever) June 19, 2025
A Stellar High School Career Balancing Basketball Excellence and Football Duties
Basketball remained Cunningham’s main focus during her high school years at Rock Bridge, where she led the girls’ basketball team to three consecutive state championships. Her exceptional performance earned her an invitation to the prestigious McDonald’s All-American game in her senior year, marking her as one of the top high school talents in the country.
Alongside her leadership on the basketball court, Cunningham’s role as a kicker demonstrated remarkable dedication, as she endured 14 rigorous practices before officially joining the football team. This commitment underlined her multi-sport athleticism and ability to adapt quickly to different sports demands.
Collegiate Success and Professional Growth With the WNBA
Following her dominant high school career, Cunningham chose to stay in Missouri and accepted a scholarship to the University of Missouri. There, she distinguished herself by becoming a three-time First-Team All-SEC selection, finishing her college career with an average of 17 points per game. Her collegiate achievements solidified her standing as a premier basketball player in the region.
Selected 13th overall in the 2019 WNBA draft by the Phoenix Mercury, Cunningham began her professional journey in the league with notable promise. Most recently, she was acquired by the Indiana Fever through a complex four-team trade involving the Dallas Wings and, fittingly, the Connecticut Sun. Over 188 professional games, she has maintained averages of 7.7 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per contest, contributing consistently in her role as a versatile offensive player and enforcer on the court.
The Significance of Cunningham’s Multi-Sport Background in Her Athletic Profile
Sophie Cunningham’s ability to excel in both basketball and football highlights the rare versatility that many multi-sport high school athletes strive to achieve. Her experiences in taekwondo and football have not only complemented her basketball skills but have also shaped her reputation as a physically and mentally tough competitor.
Her recent surge in social media following and jersey sales reflects how Cunningham’s toughness resonates with fans, projecting an image of resilience and determination. As the Indiana Fever continue to develop their roster, Cunningham’s presence as an enforcer and skilled scorer is likely to be a critical component in their future success.