Sophie Cunningham Gets Real About Leadership Role With Indiana Fever originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
Sophie Cunningham isn’t Indiana’s leading scorer or biggest name, but make no mistake, she’s becoming the heart of the Fever.
The 28-year-old guard made that clear after a standout performance in Indiana’s 99-82 win over the Atlanta Dream, where she dropped a 16-point, 10-rebound double-double off the bench. After the game, Cunningham opened up about her role and what she brings to the team’s dynamic.
“I bring the energy, I bring the feistiness. I’m a little bit sassy,” Cunningham said in a video shared to the Fever’s X account.
During a heated game against the Connecticut Sun on June 17, Cunningham had Caitlin Clark’s back after a hard foul sparked a physical altercation. She got tossed for a flagrant 2 after pulling down a Sun player and was later fined, but plenty of Fever fans and basketball lovers applauded her for standing up for Clark.
Since then, Cunningham’s star has risen.
That spark isn’t just showing up on the stat sheet. It’s woven into the fabric of this Fever team. Cunningham’s personality and competitiveness have earned her the trust of her teammates and coaching staff, even as she adjusts to a new role in her first season in Indiana.
“I bring the energy, I bring the feistiness. I’m a little bit sassy.” 💥
Sophie Cunningham was electric in our dub over the Dream last night, recording her first double-double of the season with 16 PTS, 10 REB, and 4 3PM. pic.twitter.com/8b1cFMSaFf
— Indiana Fever (@IndianaFever) July 12, 2025
“This is a team that I have never felt like this in the W,” Cunningham said. “We love spending time together, even through the long practices. We hold each other up, and that makes a difference.”
Cunningham’s rise comes at a key time. With Caitlin Clark still shaking off the rust from an injury absence and the pressure mounting late in the season, veterans like Cunningham are becoming more valuable than ever.
“I’m the ultimate competitor,” Cunningham said in the video. “I will outwork anyone, and I think that that’s something I can hang my hat on and that my teammates can always expect from me.”
Cunningham might not get the spotlight, but she’s doing exactly what leaders do: showing up, setting the tone, and lifting the team when it needs a jolt. As the Fever continue their playoff push, that “sassy” edge she brings could be one of their most underrated weapons.
“She brings that energy every single day,” Clark said. “She’s diving on loose balls, making hustle plays. Her energy is unmatched.”
Related: Sophie Cunningham Addresses Rise in Fame After Joining Indiana Fever
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This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 12, 2025, where it first appeared.