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Sophie Cunningham: From Missouri Roots to WNBA Stardom

Sophie Cunningham’s story is one of grit, faith, and fierce competitive spirit. From a childhood spent on a rural Missouri farm to national stardom as one of the WNBA’s top sharpshooters, Cunningham has always brought tenacity, heart, and purpose to everything she does both on and off the court.

Now a member of the Indiana Fever, Cunningham continues to evolve as a player, mentor, and public figure. Her path has not just been about basketball success. It is a story of loyalty to family, personal conviction, and a refusal to compromise her values. Let us explore the journey of Sophie Cunningham, the athlete, the leader, and the woman behind the jersey.

Early Life and Family Roots

Sophie Elizabeth Cunningham was born on August 16, 1996, in Columbia, Missouri. She was raised in a close-knit and hardworking family. Her parents, Jim and Paula Cunningham, both had athletic backgrounds. Paula was a standout in softball, basketball, and track and later competed in track at the University of Missouri. Jim played college football. They passed on their competitive fire and discipline to their daughters.

Sophie’s older sister, Lindsay Cunningham, was not just a sibling but a role model. The two were inseparable growing up, training together, competing, and pushing each other to be better. Both sisters eventually played for Rock Bridge High School and then the University of Missouri, fulfilling a childhood dream to represent their home state together.

To symbolize their lifelong bond, the sisters share a matching three-wave tattoo, representing family, faith, and unity. That sense of togetherness and purpose has guided Sophie throughout her life.

High School Stardom at Rock Bridge

At Rock Bridge High School in Columbia, Sophie Cunningham made her mark early. As a high-scoring guard, she became the school’s all-time leading scorer with 1,983 points. Her teams posted a dominant 102 and 18 record during her career. She earned national recognition, being named the 2014 Gatorade Missouri Girls Basketball Player of the Year and a McDonald’s All-American.

One story that captures her selflessness happened in 2014. When the high school football team lost its kicker to injury, Sophie volunteered to step in and kick extra points. That gesture was just one example of her team-first mentality that has defined her entire career.

Her high school success drew attention from top college programs, but Sophie had already made up her mind to stay home.

Dominating at the University of Missouri

Sophie joined the University of Missouri in 2015 and stayed through 2019. From the moment she stepped on the court, she became the centerpiece of the Tigers women’s basketball program. She started all 129 games in her career and never looked back.

In her freshman year, she averaged 14.0 points and 5.8 rebounds per game and was named SEC Freshman of the Year. Over the next three years, she earned First Team All-SEC honors three times in a row. In her senior year, she was named to the Associated Press Third Team All-America, becoming the first Missouri player ever to earn that honor.

Statistically, she was one of the greatest to ever wear a Missouri jersey. She finished as the program’s all-time leading scorer with 2,187 points, the all-time leader in free throws made with 537, and ranks second in three-pointers made. She also ranks in the top five in assists and rebounds.

More importantly, Sophie led Missouri to four straight NCAA Tournament appearances. The Tigers had not achieved that kind of success in decades. Her leadership, toughness, and clutch performances transformed the program into a national contender.

Entry into the WNBA

Sophie Cunningham was selected 13th overall in the 2019 WNBA Draft by the Phoenix Mercury. She made the team’s opening roster and began her professional career with limited minutes but showed flashes of brilliance. In her rookie season, she played 32 games and shot an impressive 88.2 percent from the free-throw line, the best among rookies that year.

In 2022, Sophie took a major leap forward. She averaged 12.6 points and 4.4 rebounds per game while shooting nearly 39 percent from beyond the arc. Her role expanded as she earned a place in the starting lineup. She was no longer a bench contributor but a major piece of the Mercury’s offense.

In 2023, she started 31 games and averaged 11.3 points per game. Her steady improvement and relentless energy made her a fan favorite in Phoenix.

Sophie also spent time overseas during WNBA offseasons. She played for the Melbourne Boomers in Australia’s WNBL during the 2019 to 2020 season. There, she averaged 11.6 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game, helping her refine her skills while competing internationally.

A New Home in Indiana

In January 2025, Cunningham was traded to the Indiana Fever in a blockbuster four-team deal. The Fever were building something special around young stars Caitlin Clark and Aaliyah Boston. Sophie was brought in to provide experience, shooting, and leadership.

Indiana Fever General Manager Amber Cox said Sophie had been on their radar for a long time. She described her as one of the best shooters in the league and praised her hard-nosed work ethic.

The Fever believe Sophie is a perfect complement to their rising core. Her ability to stretch the floor and make tough plays in big moments adds a new dimension to Indiana’s already exciting roster.

Expanding Her Horizons in Broadcasting

Off the court, Sophie has begun laying the foundation for her future in broadcasting. In December 2022, while still an active player, she joined the Phoenix Suns NBA broadcast team as a television analyst. She regularly appeared on Suns Live to provide pregame, halftime, and postgame analysis.

Her charisma, basketball IQ, and fearless honesty made her a natural on camera. The experience has helped her connect with fans in a new way and opened the door to a possible future in sports media.

Faith and Personal Principles

Sophie Cunningham is a devout Christian, and her faith is a cornerstone of her identity. Before every game, she performs a quiet ritual by drawing a cross on her shoes, then on her knees, heart, and forehead. She says this keeps her focused on playing for a higher purpose.

On social media, she often shares Bible verses and messages of encouragement. One of her favorites is Romans 8:28, which speaks to trusting that all things work together for good. Sophie has always been open about how her belief in God has shaped her career, choices, and perspective on success and failure.

She and her sister Lindsay also have matching wrist tattoos inspired by scripture, symbolizing the deep connection between their faith and their family bond.

Style, Personality, and Social Media

Sophie’s personality shines in every aspect of her life. She is known for her fun, bold, and confident fashion sense. One of her 2024 pregame outfits, a revealing dress that showed tan lines, went viral online. She responded with laughter, saying her mom picked the outfit and taking the attention in stride.

Her social media presence has grown quickly. With over a quarter million followers, she mixes basketball highlights, personal insights, family photos, and style statements with humor and authenticity. Her fans appreciate how she balances being fierce on the court with being approachable and real off it.

Financial Standing and Endorsements

As of 2025, Sophie Cunningham’s net worth is estimated at around 1.5 million dollars. Her WNBA salary, endorsements, and media work all contribute to her earnings. She signed a one-year contract worth approximately 100,000 dollars before the 2025 season and earns additional income from brand deals.

She is an Adidas athlete and has promoted products like Quest Nutrition protein bars and skincare brands. These partnerships align with her image as a health-conscious, active professional. She also earns from her television analyst work.

Though she has lived in Phoenix and now Indianapolis, she remains closely connected to her hometown of Columbia, Missouri. She returns frequently to visit family and reconnect with her roots.

Personal Life and Lifestyle

Sophie keeps her personal life private. She has publicly said she is single and focused on her career and growth. She often jokes about not having a boyfriend and embraces her independence with confidence.

Off the court, Sophie enjoys outdoor activities such as horseback riding, swimming, and fishing. She also holds a black belt in taekwondo, which she earned at age six, proving her dedication from a young age.

Her lifestyle blends rural values with the demands of being a modern athlete. She trains year-round to stay in peak condition and maintains a strict fitness regimen. Her balance between discipline, fun, and faith makes her a unique and respected figure in professional sports.

Conclusion

Sophie Cunningham’s rise from a farm in Missouri to the brightest lights of the WNBA is a testament to her character, work ethic, and belief in something bigger than herself. Whether as a scorer, leader, or role model, she brings fire and focus to everything she does.

Her journey is far from over. With a new home in Indiana and an ever-growing platform, Sophie Cunningham is not just a star in the making. She is already a living example of what it means to chase excellence with purpose, passion, and unwavering faith.