The Indiana Fever are entering the 2025 WNBA season with renewed hope. With a roster brimming with potential, seasoned leaders, and a coaching staff focused on player development, the addition of Sophie Cunningham feels like a perfect fit
While there’s no shortage of storylines surrounding the Fever — from Caitlin Clark’s rookie journey to Aliyah Boston’s continued growth — Cunningham’s arrival adds a fascinating subplot.
She’s poised to be a glue player who brings toughness, experience, and enthusiasm to a young team eager to make its mark.
And as Sophie Cunningham showed by running through the rain with a smile, she’s ready to embrace whatever challenges and surprises come her way.
Sophie Cunningham’s move to the Indiana Fever is more than just a roster addition—it’s the beginning of an exciting new chapter for both the player and the franchise.
With her competitive fire reignited, her skills ready to be unleashed, and her determination laser-focused on winning, Cunningham is poised to become a fan favorite in Indiana.
As the 2025 WNBA season approaches, Fever fans have every reason to be optimistic. Between the rise of Caitlin Clark, the continued growth of NaLyssa Smith, and now the arrival of Sophie Cunningham, the ingredients are there for something special.
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Sophie Cunningham Embraces Fresh Start with Indiana Fever
The Indiana Fever made headlines recently by acquiring talented guard/forward Sophie Cunningham through a four-team trade.1
Known for her hustle, fiery attitude, and three-point shooting prowess, Cunningham’s transition from the Phoenix Mercury to Indiana signals not only a fresh start for her career but also a strategic move by the Fever to strengthen their roster.
Beyond the basketball court, Sophie took to social media to share an authentic, heartwarming moment with her followers that perfectly encapsulates her upbeat personality and excitement for new beginnings.
jokes on you, I left em in my mothers womb🙂 https://t.co/QWAXPodHrC
— Sophie Cunningham (@sophaller) March 13, 2025
Bonding with Caitlin Clark: A Duo to Watch
One of the most exciting aspects of Cunningham’s arrival in Indiana is her potential on-court chemistry with Caitlin Clark.
Clark, already known for her deep shooting range and playmaking abilities, will benefit from having a reliable veteran like Cunningham spacing the floor and creating defensive challenges for opponents.
Cunningham has previously spoken highly of Clark, praising her competitive spirit and scoring prowess.
It’s not far-fetched to imagine the two forming a dynamic offensive pairing — Clark handling primary ball distribution and Cunningham taking advantage of open looks from the perimeter or slashing to the basket off the ball.
Off the court, Cunningham’s positive and down-to-earth personality may serve as a stabilizing force in Clark’s transition to the professional level.
For a rookie who’s been under the media spotlight for years, having teammates who are supportive yet fiercely competitive could make all the difference.
Sophie Cunningham’s Journey: From Phoenix to Indiana
Sophie Cunningham spent the first five years of her WNBA career with the Phoenix Mercury.2
Drafted 13th overall in the 2019 WNBA Draft, she quickly established herself as a reliable two-way player, blending sharp shooting skills with aggressive defense.
While she played a valuable role in Phoenix’s playoff runs and even helped them reach the WNBA Finals in 2021, Cunningham’s role fluctuated, often due to roster depth and injuries within the Mercury camp.
Her trade to Indiana was part of a larger multi-team transaction involving the Mercury, the Dallas Wings, the Chicago Sky, and the Fever.
The Fever, looking to capitalize on their young talent like Aliyah Boston and newly drafted superstar Caitlin Clark, saw Cunningham’s versatility and veteran leadership as essential components to complement their developing core.
Interestingly, Sophie had previously hinted at her admiration for Caitlin Clark’s game, fueling excitement about her move to Indiana.
The chance to play alongside one of the most anticipated rookies in recent WNBA history was, in many ways, an opportunity too perfect to pass up.
Embracing Change and Challenges
Transitioning to a new team, especially after spending your entire professional career with one franchise, isn’t easy.
Yet, Cunningham appears to be handling the change with characteristic optimism. The rain video can be seen as a reflection of her mindset — running headfirst into the unknown, smiling despite the downpour, and finding joy in the unexpected.
In interviews, she has often emphasized her “never back down” mentality, something she developed during her college days at Missouri and carried into the WNBA.
That same mindset will be crucial as she adapts to her new role in Indiana, works to mesh with her teammates, and helps guide a team looking to break into playoff contention.
Sophie Cunningham’s Social Media Moment
While most athletes use social media to showcase workout routines, game highlights, or promotional content, Sophie Cunningham offered something refreshingly simple yet profound.3
Recently, she shared an Instagram story and a post on X (formerly Twitter) about running in the rain — a spontaneous, candid glimpse into her day.
In the short video clip, Cunningham is visibly drenched, jogging through the pouring rain with a bright smile on her face.
She captioned the story with, “It’s pouring, I don’t know if you guys can tell, but I haven’t got to run in the rain in so long.” The moment resonated with her followers, who appreciated her openness and light-hearted spirit.
This wasn’t just a random weather update — it symbolized much more. Cunningham’s joyful embrace of the rain paralleled her fresh start in Indiana. After spending years in the desert climate of Arizona, maybe the rain felt symbolic of cleansing the past and ushering in a new chapter.
Indiana Fever’s Rebuild: Why Cunningham Fits
The Fever’s front office has been meticulously rebuilding their franchise over the past couple of seasons.
After drafting standout forward Aliyah Boston in 2023 and adding Caitlin Clark as the first overall pick in 2024, Indiana’s goal has been to blend youthful energy with reliable veterans. Cunningham’s experience, defensive tenacity, and perimeter shooting fill a critical need.
In her most recent season with the Mercury, Cunningham averaged 7.3 points, 2.4 rebounds, and shot nearly 38% from beyond the arc. These numbers might not leap off the page, but her intangibles — leadership, hustle, and resilience — make her invaluable.
She’s the type of player who doesn’t shy away from gritty defensive assignments and isn’t afraid to take big shots in clutch situations.
Moreover, her ability to play multiple positions (guard and forward) offers Indiana lineup flexibility, allowing head coach Christie Sides to experiment with different rotations depending on matchups.
Fans React: Cunningham’s Relatable Moment Resonates
Sophie Cunningham’s rain-soaked Instagram story didn’t go unnoticed. Fans took to social media platforms to praise her authenticity, noting how relatable it was to see a professional athlete find joy in something as simple as running in the rain.
Several comments highlighted how refreshing it is when athletes share real-life, non-filtered content rather than the usual polished promotional posts.
For many followers, it humanized Cunningham, reminding them that beyond the basketball arena, she’s just a person embracing life’s small joys.
One fan tweeted, “Sophie running in the rain is the exact vibe I needed today. Love how real she is.”
Another wrote, “Something about a new team, a fresh start, and running in the rain feels poetic.”
Clearly, Cunningham’s moment struck a chord with the Fever fanbase and beyond.
Off-Court Leadership: Cunningham’s Broader Impact
Beyond her contributions on the court, Cunningham brings leadership qualities that resonate off the court as well.
She’s been vocal about issues like mental health awareness, the importance of teamwork, and supporting young women athletes. Indiana’s locker room, filled with emerging talent, will likely benefit from her steady, supportive presence.
Given Caitlin Clark’s rising stardom and the increased media attention surrounding the Fever, having veterans like Cunningham who are comfortable both in the spotlight and behind the scenes is invaluable.
Her approachable demeanor — as evidenced by her candid social media updates — makes her an excellent ambassador for the team within the community and among the fanbase.
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Sophie Cunningham’s Fresh Start
The WNBA landscape is constantly evolving, and one of the most intriguing moves during the offseason has been Sophie Cunningham’s decision to join the Indiana Fever.
After spending six solid seasons with the Phoenix Mercury, Cunningham is ready to embrace a new chapter with renewed enthusiasm, energy, and a burning desire to make an impact.
The 2025 season offers a fresh opportunity not only for her career but also for the Fever, who have already built a promising core led by Caitlin Clark.
Let’s break down why Cunningham is thrilled about this move and how her addition can shape the Fever’s upcoming season.
A Solid Career Foundation: Cunningham’s Time with the Mercury
Sophie Cunningham was drafted by the Phoenix Mercury in the second round of the 2019 WNBA Draft. Over six seasons, she carved out a reliable role as a versatile wing player.
Known for her shooting prowess, tough defense, and gritty mentality, Cunningham often served as the glue between Phoenix’s superstars. In the 2022 season, she made a noticeable leap, averaging career highs across multiple categories and nearly capturing the Most Improved Player award.
While Cunningham thrived as a role player in Phoenix, she often found herself playing behind the likes of Diana Taurasi and Brittney Griner, limiting her offensive ceiling.
Nevertheless, her time with the Mercury molded her into a battle-tested, resilient player who understands what it takes to compete at the highest level.
Sophie Cunningham: Leadership and Mentorship
Cunningham’s Veteran Presence
While still in her late twenties, Cunningham brings valuable veteran leadership to a relatively young Indiana team.
Many of the Fever’s key contributors are in their early twenties and still adjusting to the demands of the professional game.
Cunningham’s playoff experience and years spent learning alongside seasoned veterans in Phoenix offer Indiana’s younger players a model of professionalism, preparation, and mental toughness. She knows the grind of an 40-game WNBA season and can help guide players through the inevitable ups and downs.
Her leadership will be particularly valuable as Caitlin Clark navigates her highly anticipated rookie season, facing not only top-tier competition but also the weight of expectations.
The Feisty Factor: Bringing Grit Back to Indiana
One of the qualities Cunningham repeatedly emphasized in interviews is her “feisty” style of play.
She thrives on physicality, isn’t afraid to mix it up with opponents, and plays with a chip on her shoulder. For a franchise looking to reestablish itself as a playoff contender, that toughness could be contagious.
Historically, Indiana Fever fans have rallied behind blue-collar, no-nonsense players—think of legends like Tamika Catchings.
Cunningham’s hustle, attitude, and edge might just rekindle that same spirit, which could quickly endear her to the Fever faithful.
Sophie Cunningham: Promotion
Sophie Cunningham promoting Quest Nutrition’s no bake protein packed cookies on her instagram account.
View this post on Instagram
Building Chemistry Before the Season Begins
With about two months remaining before the start of the 2025 WNBA season, Cunningham and her new teammates have a crucial window to develop on-court chemistry.
The Fever’s roster boasts a mix of established veterans and talented youth, so integrating Cunningham’s skills into the system will be a priority.
Training camp and preseason games will be key for her to understand where she fits, how she can best support Clark, Smith, and other core players, and where she can exploit defensive matchups.
Cunningham has stressed her commitment to putting in the work to get familiar with the team’s dynamics, emphasizing:
“I’m ready to win, I’m ready for y’all to be there.”
Off the Court: Embracing the Indiana Community
- Cunningham’s excitement isn’t limited to what happens inside the arena. She’s made it clear that she wants to immerse herself in the Indiana community.
- WNBA players often have a deep connection to their fanbases, and Cunningham plans to be a visible, active presence.
- Whether through charity events, fan meet-and-greets, or community outreach programs, she intends to use her platform to make an impact beyond basketball.
- For Fever fans, having a player who cares about the people and the place she’s representing only strengthens the bond between athlete and city.
- The Fever have been on the cusp of a breakthrough, and the arrival of Caitlin Clark has accelerated expectations.
- Adding Cunningham’s experience, toughness, and scoring ability could provide the extra push Indiana needs to secure a playoff spot.
- Her playoff experience with the Mercury will be invaluable when the Fever find themselves in tight, pressure-packed games.
- As the team works to elevate its performance, Cunningham’s ability to hit clutch shots, make defensive stops, and rally her teammates will be crucial.
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