Sophie Cunningham Shares Why Indiana Fever Are 'Refreshing' WNBA Fit

Sophie Cunningham, one of the newest players to join Caitlin Clark with the Indiana Fever, got her official introduction on Tuesday.

Cunningham spent her first six WNBA seasons with the Phoenix Mercury after they made her a second round pick out of Missouri in 2019. The Fever acquired the 6-foot-1 guard/wing in a four-team trade earlier this offseason. Cunningham was one of several additions Indiana made to its roster, along with Natasha Howard, DeWanna Bonner, Sydney Colson and Jaelyn Brown.

“Sophie is a player that we have targeted for a while, and one that we believe is a perfect fit for the style we want to play,” said Fever general manager and COO Amber Cox after the trade was finalized. “She is a fierce competitor, works incredibly hard on both ends of the floor and is one of the best shooters in our league. We are excited to add her to our squad.”

On Tuesday, Cunningham made it clear she’s excited to team up with Clark, also letting opponents know that if they try some of the same intimidation tactics utilized against the 2024 WNBA Rookie of the Year during her debut season, she will deal with them.

“She has changed our game in the best possible way in every way,” Cunningham said. “Just to be alongside of her and maybe relieve the pressure, being able to shoot and spread the court for her to go do her thing…I want her to go do her thing and anything she needs from me I’m gonna be here. Just the competitor that I am, I’m fierce, I’m sassy. I stick up for my teammates. I stick up for myself. Sometimes, I think that’s okay to be feisty and be yourself.”

In her career, Cunningham has been used both as a starter and off the bench. Last season, she averaged 7.7 points and 2.7 rebounds per game while shooting 36.2% from three-point range.

It remains to be seen how big of a role Cunningham will have in Indiana, but she expressed optimism about her fit with the Fever.

“This is just a new style, and this is the style that I thrive in,” Cunningham told reporters Monday. “When you have people who can shoot the ball, who move the ball, who are run and gunners and share the ball; this is the type of offense that I want to be in. I’m just stoked.”

Sophie Cunningham before game.

PHOENIX, AZ – AUGUST 26: Sophie Cunningham #9 of the Phoenix Mercury looks on during the game against the New York Liberty on August 26, 2024 at Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Kate Frese/NBAE via Getty Images)

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After going 20-20 and reaching the playoffs for the first time in eight years in 2024, the Fever are expected to be legitimate title contenders this season, led by Clark and forward Aliyah Boston.

They will open up the 2025 WNBA season against Angel Reese and the Chicago Sky on Saturday, May 17.