The Indiana Fever just secured one of the toughest, most energetic, and vocal enforcers in the WNBA, and she’s already making waves.
Sophie Cunningham, formerly with the Phoenix Mercury, is embracing her new team and making it loud and clear—she’s thrilled to be in Indiana and is ready to silence the critics who doubted the Fever’s ability to attract top talent.
Cunningham’s Arrival Shuts Down the Haters
For months, there has been a persistent narrative that players don’t want to play with Caitlin Clark.
WNBA legend Cheryl Swoopes even claimed that Indiana wasn’t a desirable destination.
But as soon as Sophie Cunningham arrived in Indiana, she completely shattered that false claim.
Instead of hesitation or frustration about being traded, Cunningham’s first reaction was pure excitement:
“Oh heck yeah, we’re about to go win a championship.”
That doesn’t sound like a player who “didn’t want to be there.”
Instead, it proves that Cunningham sees the Fever as a winning team and is eager to compete for a title alongside Clark, Aaliyah Boston, and Kelsey Mitchell.
The Enforcer Indiana Needed
Caitlin Clark’s rookie season was brutal. She was pushed, hacked, and targeted by defenders all season long, and there were very few repercussions.
The Fever lacked an enforcer, someone who could send a clear message that dirty play wouldn’t be tolerated.
That changes now.
Cunningham has built a reputation as one of the toughest competitors in the WNBA.
She doesn’t just talk—she backs it up with physicality, grit, and relentless defense. In her own words:
“I’m fierce, I’m sassy, I stick up for my teammates, and I stick up for myself.”
That’s exactly what Clark needed—someone who will make sure that cheap shots don’t go unanswered.
Perfect Basketball Fit for Indiana
Beyond being a tough, no-nonsense competitor, Cunningham is also a deadly shooter.
She shot 38% from three-point range last season, making her a perfect fit in Clark’s pass-heavy offense. With Cunningham spreading the floor, Clark will have more space to operate, Boston will have more room to dominate in the paint, and Mitchell will face fewer double-teams.
Her defensive versatility is another massive upgrade for the Fever. She can guard multiple positions, giving Indiana a much-needed edge on both ends of the court.
Indiana is Becoming a WNBA Powerhouse
For months, critics said that no one wanted to play with Caitlin Clark—but look at the Fever now.
With Cunningham, DeWanna Bonner, Natasha Howard, and Sydney Colson joining the squad, Indiana is quickly transforming into a championship contender.
Sophie Cunningham isn’t just another player—she’s the missing piece the Fever needed. The haters said Indiana wasn’t a destination, but now, players are lining up to join Clark and the Fever.
The message is clear: Indiana is ready to compete for a WNBA title.
