Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham confirmed on Wednesday that she tore her ACL during a game against the Connecticut Sun last Sunday. In her Show Me Something podcast with co-host West Wilson, Cunningham shared that she remains in good spirits as she begins the rehabilitation process, while continuing to stay connected with fans on social media.
Sophie Cunningham Shares Thoughts on Venus Williams’ Barbie Doll Recognition
On her podcast, Cunningham took a moment to discuss tennis star Venus Williams receiving a Barbie doll in the brand’s Inspiring Women collection. Cunningham expressed that Williams deserved this honor much earlier.
“Venus Williams should have had a Barbie before. I’m glad that she has it now. Good for her.” —Sophie Cunningham
The dollmaker announced the inclusion of the seven-time Grand Slam champion about a week ago, highlighting Williams’ role in advocating for gender pay equity in sports. The doll, set for release on Friday, features Williams in her 2007 Wimbledon uniform. That year, Williams became the first woman to win prize money equal to the men’s champion at Wimbledon, marking a historic moment in sports history.
Unusual Connections Between Fever Players’ Injuries and Birthdays
Cunningham revealed on her podcast how the timing of injuries around players’ birthdays struck her as unusual, especially with her MCL surgery sidelining her earlier this season. She pointed out a series of coincidences involving teammates and their injuries.
“You wanna know what’s actually crazy? Sydney [Colson] had her birthday. The next day we played, she completely tore her ACL and everything. It was my birthday. We played the next day, and I hurt my knee. We still have a couple of more birthdays on our time, and everyone’s like, ‘Do they play or do they not play?’” —Sophie Cunningham
Backup guard Sydney Colson celebrated her birthday on August 6. Just two days later, she tore her ACL during a matchup with the Phoenix Mercury, ending her season. Approximately one week after Colson’s injury, Cunningham suffered a similar ACL tear.
With two more birthdays approaching for teammates Natasha Howard on September 2 and Lexie Hull on September 13, the pattern adds tension to the Fever’s challenging situation. The team’s injury-plagued roster faces a difficult remaining schedule, putting their playoff chances in jeopardy.
The Broader Impact of Fever’s Injury Challenges
While Cunningham approached these injury coincidences with a lighthearted attitude, the mounting setbacks pose a serious threat to the Indiana Fever’s outlook. The loss of key players like Cunningham and Colson weakens an already depleted squad as they fight to salvage their season.
How the Fever manage their roster in the coming weeks will be critical as they attempt to navigate a demanding schedule. Cunningham’s ACL injury update underscores the physical toll this season has taken on the team and highlights the uncertain road ahead.