The Indiana Fever made a bold statement this offseason, and it wasn’t just about adding talent—it was about adding toughness. Enter Sophie Cunningham. The veteran guard wasted no time showing that franchise cornerstone Caitlin Clark won’t be facing intimidation tactics alone next season. If opponents want to challenge the 2024 WNBA Rookie of the Year, they’ll have to go through Cunningham first.
“She has changed our game in the best possible way, in every way,” Cunningham said Tuesday. “Just to be alongside her and maybe relieve some pressure—being able to shoot and spread the court so she can do her thing… I want her to go do her thing, and anything she needs from me, I’m gonna be here.”
Cunningham, who spent her entire career with the Phoenix Mercury before being acquired by the Fever in a four-team trade on Feb. 2, is embracing a fresh start in Indiana. And she’s bringing her signature edge with her.
“I’m fierce. I’m sassy. I stick up for my teammates. I stick up for myself,” she added. “Sometimes, I think it’s okay to be feisty and be yourself.”
That attitude might be exactly what Clark and the Fever need. Throughout her rookie season, Clark frequently found herself on the receiving end of physical play from veteran opponents. As the season progressed, calls for an enforcer-type teammate to have her back grew louder. Cunningham, who averaged 7.7 points and 2.7 rebounds per game while shooting 36.2% from three last season, brings more than just grit—she adds floor spacing and veteran experience to a Fever squad eager to take the next step toward a championship.
With Clark leading the charge and Cunningham standing her ground, the Fever won’t just be more talented next season—they’ll be tougher, too.
