Sophie Cunningham has arrived at Gainbridge Fieldhouse to join her new Indiana Fever teammates, including 2024 WNBA Rookie of the Year, Caitlin Clark. The 28-year-old guard expressed her desire to play with the new star, whom she gave high praise for her focus.
“She has changed our game in every possible way,” Cunningham told reporters, adding a strong message for Clark and her teammates. “I want her to do her thing, and whatever she needs from me, I’ll be here. As a competitor, I’m fierce and sassy. I stand up for my teammates and for myself,” she said.
“I just think she’s had a lot of pressure put on her shoulders. A lot of people haven’t walked in her footsteps, so it’s easy to judge and say things. I think we have to be there for each other and empower each other,” she added.
Cunningham and Clark played together during the WNBA All-Star weekend last season. “I told her, ‘Hey, if you ever want to come to Phoenix, let me know.’ That kind of backfired on me. Now I’m here, which is great. It’s not like me to offer that kind of support, but she’s a special player,” she said of that experience.
Sophie Cunningham is one of Fever’s new additions ( Alex Slitz/Getty Images)
Entering her seventh WNBA season, Cunningham, who was drafted 13th overall in 2019 by the Phoenix Mercury, is expected to play a key role for the Fever. In 2024, she averaged 8.4 points and made 37.8% from long range.
Cunningham is eager to join her new teammates
Apart from Cunningham, the Fever have made significant roster changes, adding veterans like DeWanna Bonner, Natasha Howard, and Sydney Colson. They all joined star players such as Aliyah Boston, Kelsey Mitchell and Lexie Hull.
“Getting DeWanna Bonner was huge. She was one of my vets when I was a rookie coming in. She’s no one to mess with,” she noted. “You have Natasha Howard, you have Aliyah Boston, you have Kelsey Mitchell. We just have a squad, and our depth is amazing. I’m just excited.”
Asked about what she is more excited about, she said: “When you have a group that can let go of the egos and come here to win and work hard, I think that’s the best type of group.“
With new head coach Stephanie White, the team is looking to improve after their early exit from the 2024 playoffs. The Fever prepare for the 2025 season opener against the Chicago Sky on May 17.
