In the dynamic and ever-evolving landscape of professional women’s basketball, few voices resonate with as much candor and authenticity as Sophie Cunningham. A guard for the Indiana Fever, Cunningham recently sat down for a revealing interview on “The Young Man and The Three” podcast, offering an unfiltered glimpse into her journey, the state of the WNBA, and the unique challenges and triumphs of her team, particularly in a season marked by unprecedented injuries and the magnetic presence of rookie sensation Caitlin Clark. Her insights paint a vivid picture of resilience, the relentless pursuit of excellence, and the delicate balance between on-court demands and off-court persona.
Cunningham, often described as a “loose cannon” for her willingness to “let it fly” on her own show, social media, and in media appearances, proves once again that honesty is her strongest suit. “I’m just being me, and I’m being honest and I’m being truthful,” she asserts, acknowledging that many might share her views but shy away from expressing them due to potential fines or misinterpretation. This commitment to authenticity has not only defined her public image but also shaped her professional philosophy.
Her journey to the WNBA is as unconventional as it is inspiring. A committed Missouri Tiger from eighth grade, deeply rooted in a family legacy of Mizzou athletes, Cunningham always envisioned herself as a professional athlete. What’s less known is her brief but impactful stint as a high school football kicker. In a tale that sounds almost cinematic, she recounted how, with a stress fracture in her foot and no practice, she famously nailed a 45-yard field goal in a competition. Later, when the team’s kicker was injured, she stepped in, playing two games and successfully making six extra points and field goals. This early experience, a testament to her innate athleticism and competitive spirit, still draws curious inquiries from strangers, though she humbly defers the kicking glory to others now. “If I was smart, I think I should have played soccer,” she muses, highlighting a path not taken but underscoring the diverse athletic talents that define her.
The collegiate experience at Mizzou was pivotal, as Cunningham “fell in love with the process” of self-improvement. Unlike today’s structured player development, her era required a more self-driven approach. She recounted late-night gym sessions, honing her shooting and ball-handling skills, driven by the belief that “everyone else wasn’t doing that.” This dedication transformed her game, particularly her shooting, a skill she didn’t fully realize was her calling until she entered the WNBA. Drafted by a Phoenix Mercury team featuring legends like Diana Taurasi and Brittney Griner, Cunningham found herself frequently open as opponents focused their attention elsewhere. “Everyone labeled me as a shooter,” she recalls, a label that stuck and propelled her into a new dimension of her game.
Her reflections on Diana Taurasi, whom she’s known for seven years and considers a close friend, offer a fascinating glimpse into the mind of a true legend. Cunningham describes Taurasi as “so intense” yet possessing “one of the biggest hearts.” She admires Taurasi’s elite understanding of the game, comparing it to Kobe Bryant’s, and credits her with teaching her “how to become a pro.” Taurasi’s unwavering commitment to her craft, even in the twilight of her career—daily lifts, rehab, and shots, regardless of off days—served as a powerful blueprint. “Once I started to develop that and copy her, that’s when she started… took me under her wing,” Cunningham explains, illustrating the mentorship that shaped her professional habits. Taurasi’s fiery personality, her ability to challenge referees with impunity, and her legendary trash-talking prowess on Team USA are all recounted with a mix of awe and amusement. “Her mouth backs up her game, and her game backs up her talk,” Cunningham aptly summarizes.
Now a seasoned veteran at 29, Cunningham embraces her leadership role. She acknowledges the unprecedented talent flowing into the WNBA but emphasizes the enduring importance of experience and direction. “People need leadership, they need direction,” she states, noting that true winners often come from accumulated experience. Her work ethic and game speak for themselves, but she actively seeks to mentor younger players, sharing the wisdom gained over seven seasons.
The conversation naturally shifts to the state of the league, which Cunningham believes has reached “a whole new level” in athleticism and physicality. While she appreciates the intensity, she cautiously points out instances where physicality edges into being “a little bit too physical,” requiring refinement. Yet, she celebrates the “really good basketball” being played, a testament to the league’s growth.
The Indiana Fever’s season, however, has been a dramatic narrative of resilience in the face of adversity. Plagued by an “unprecedented” string of injuries, with five key players sidelined for the season, the team faced immense challenges. Cunningham marvels at their ability to even make the playoffs, beating a “basically healthy LA team” despite their depleted roster. She reveals a staggering statistic: the core offensive unit—Caitlin, Kelsey, herself, AB, and Tosh—played only a mere “22 full minutes together this whole season.” This astonishing lack of continuity makes their playoff berth all the more remarkable, showcasing the team’s “fight” and refusal to “quit.”
Despite the hardships, Cunningham speaks glowingly of the “crazy basketball state” that is Indiana. The Fever’s fan base is fervent, selling out arenas even with key players injured and consistently outnumbering opposing fans on the road. This “perfect storm” of Caitlin Clark’s magnetic appeal and an already passionate fan base has created an unparalleled environment. Cunningham humbly acknowledges that her own and other teammates’ individual personalities also contribute to this vibrant atmosphere, creating a “spotlight onto everybody.”
When asked about toughest opposing arenas, Cunningham singles out Minnesota, admitting, “I hate playing up in Minnesota.” She also praises the Lynx for their “special” qualities, noting their strong shot at winning the championship this year, driven by a team of hard-working “sixth and seventh players” rather than a singular star. She also gives a shout out to the “Studbuds,” an off-court phenomenon that highlights the league’s growing embrace of player individuality and media presence.
Her insights into Caitlin Clark as a teammate are equally candid. Cunningham describes Clark as “a big kid,” a “generational talent” whose phenomenal skills are undeniable. Yet, she doesn’t shy away from playfully calling Clark a “dweeb” and a “dork,” revealing a genuine and playful rapport. Clark’s “maniacalness” and her ability to be “four steps ahead of everyone else” on the court are qualities Cunningham admires, especially when Clark is “locked in.” She hopes for more of that synergy as Clark returns from injury.
Cunningham’s venture into podcasting with “Show Me Something” is another extension of her authentic self. Balancing her demanding basketball career with her media endeavors requires intense focus, but she emphasizes the importance of a “balance” between her craft and personal life. The podcast space, she believes, allows her to be “authentically me,” sharing insights and challenging perspectives, even if it occasionally leads to “getting in trouble” with the league. Her philosophy is simple: “Regardless of what I do, people are going to be mad and people are going to love it, and so I might as well just be authentically me.” She points out the irony of fans demanding honesty and then reacting negatively when they receive it, asserting that booing and strong opinions are inherent to sports.
The conversation delves into the concept of “toughness,” which Cunningham firmly believes cannot be coached. “It’s a mentality,” she states, something that “has to be within you” to truly succeed and last in the league. This internal drive, rather than mere athletic prowess, distinguishes those who thrive in the WNBA. She offers a “foxhole” lineup of players she’d go to war with: A’ja Wilson, Napheesa Collier, Alyssa Thomas, Allisha Gray, and Kelsey Mitchell—all known for their relentless “dog” mentality and unwavering intensity.
Her final piece of advice for rookies entering the WNBA circus is clear: “keeping the main thing the main thing” – prioritizing basketball. Drawing from Diana Taurasi’s disdain for “Instagram famous” players who “can’t even make a layup,” Cunningham stresses that the platform is earned through hard work and dedication to winning championships.
Sophie Cunningham’s interview is more than just a peek behind the scenes of the WNBA; it’s a manifesto on authenticity, resilience, and the true spirit of competition. Her unwavering honesty, her profound understanding of the game, and her commitment to inspiring the next generation make her a voice worth listening to, a player who not only excels on the court but also fearlessly speaks her truth off it.