Since Caitlin Clark‘s arrival in the WNBA, fans of the Indiana Fever have long sought a teammate with the kind of toughness and presence that Sophie Cunningham now brings. Although Indiana lacked this edge during Clark’s rookie season, the Fever addressed it by trading for Cunningham last offseason. Two months into the current season, Cunningham has emerged not only as a key player alongside Clark but also as a protector who responds to the physical challenges Clark faces on the court.
Cunningham has earned the role of the team’s enforcer, stepping up to confront the rough treatment Clark endures from opponents. This was notably evident on June 17, during a heated Commissioner’s Cup game, when Clark was involved in multiple confrontations, especially with Jacy Sheldon. The sequence ended with Clark being shoved to the floor by Marina Mabrey, though Cunningham was not on the court at the time.
Determined to support her teammate, Cunningham took advantage of the next opportunity to retaliate, committing a Flagrant Two foul against Sheldon in the fourth quarter. Discussing this moment on the first episode of her podcast Show Me Something, Cunningham shared Clark’s unfiltered response to her stand:
“In the locker room she goes, I think she was like, ‘Finally! Finally someone did something.’ I’m like, ‘dude I got you.'”
—Sophie Cunningham, Guard
Cunningham added that her actions helped strengthen team unity by highlighting the importance of backing each other up during tough moments on the court.
Inside Cunningham’s insights on how opponents try to intimidate Caitlin Clark
Before becoming teammates, Cunningham confronted the reality of how opposing players targeted Caitlin Clark in the 2024 season. Reflecting on her experience with the Phoenix Mercury, Cunningham revealed that players often sought to assert their physical dominance over Clark, using aggressive tactics to “toughen her up” as she adjusted to the league.
On her podcast, Cunningham explained:
“You have seen players in our league trying to toughen up Caitlin,” Cunningham said. “Even when I wasn’t on her team, I know the talks Phoenix had in the locker room like ‘we are gonna show her what the W really is.'”
—Sophie Cunningham, Guard
Despite Clark no longer being a rookie, Cunningham criticized the ongoing trend of opponents relying on physical intimidation as a strategy against her. This has fueled debate within the WNBA community, with some arguing the league’s physical nature demands such toughness, while others believe Clark’s style or reputation has made her a target across teams.
As this dynamic unfolds, Cunningham’s role as an enforcer and protector for Clark not only alters the team chemistry for the Indiana Fever but also sends a message league-wide about resilience and solidarity against aggressive play targeted at star players.