Sophie Cunningham, a rising star in the WNBA, has attracted significant attention this offseason not only for her on-court role but also for a viral social media post. The former University of Missouri standout and current Indiana Fever player shared a striking swimsuit photo that quickly gained widespread popularity online.
Sophie Cunningham’s Journey from Phoenix to Indiana
Cunningham began her professional career with the Phoenix Mercury, where she played for several seasons before being traded to the Indiana Fever during the latest offseason. Since joining Indiana, she has embraced a physical enforcer role on the court, notably protecting her teammates with aggressive defense. Recently, she went viral for delivering a hard foul against Connecticut Sun guard Jacy Sheldon after Sheldon had made contact with Cunningham’s teammate, Caitlin Clark.
Standing Up for Teammates and Gaining Attention
On the aggressive nature of the game and the officiating, Cunningham commented,
“I think the refs had a lot to do with that. It was a buildup for a couple of years now of them just not protecting the star player of the WNBA,”
reflecting on the circumstances leading to her foul. She added,
“At the end of the day, I’m going to protect my teammates. That’s what I do.”
These remarks underline her commitment to team defense and willingness to stand up for key players like Clark.
Social Media Fame Amplified by Stunning Swimsuit Photo
Beyond basketball, Cunningham has become a social media sensation, surpassing one million followers on TikTok and maintaining a strong presence on Instagram. Recently, she turned heads with a captivating beach photo posted on Instagram where she wore a gold bikini paired with a black cowboy hat, sparking viral interest and widespread admiration. This exposure adds to a growing trend of prominent WNBA players gaining recognition outside the sport, with some appearing in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit edition. Cunningham could potentially follow in their footsteps.
Her increasing visibility both on and off the court demonstrates her expanding influence as an athlete and personality, making her one of the WNBA’s notable rising figures.