When Sophie Cunningham steps onto the court, she carries more than a basketball — she carries generations of grit, faith, and fierce family love. Born and raised on a farm in Columbia, Missouri, Sophie’s journey to becoming one of the WNBA’s sharpest shooters is anything but ordinary.
Long before she wore a professional jersey, Sophie was wrangling farm chores, riding horses bareback, and kicking extra points for her high school football team. Raised by athletic parents — her mom Paula a multisport star, and her dad Jim a college football player — Sophie and her sister Lindsay grew up surrounded by competition, discipline, and deep faith.
That upbringing transformed into dominance on the court. At Rock Bridge High School, she shattered scoring records and claimed titles like the Gatorade Missouri Player of the Year. She stayed close to home at the University of Missouri, where she became the program’s all-time leading scorer with 2,187 points and led the Tigers to four consecutive NCAA tournaments. By senior year, she was the school’s first-ever AP All-American.
In 2019, the Phoenix Mercury drafted Sophie 13th overall — the highest draft pick in Missouri women’s basketball history. Over six seasons, she rose from bench rookie to key starter, posting a career-high 12.6 points per game in 2022. She also spent time overseas with Australia’s Melbourne Boomers and flexed her versatility as a basketball analyst for the Phoenix Suns’ broadcasts.
But 2025 marked a turning point. In a massive four-team trade, Cunningham landed with the Indiana Fever — a move that could reshape both her career and the Fever’s future. “She’s one of the best shooters in our league,” said Fever GM Amber Cox. Sophie is expected to bring not just points, but leadership and fire to Indiana’s young squad.
Off the court, she’s a refreshing blend of farm girl charm and modern confidence. Sophie’s lifestyle includes fishing, horseback riding, and singing — but also bold pregame fashion that turns heads and earns headlines. Her viral 2024 outfit, a tan-line-revealing cutout dress inspired by Love Island, even drew attention from Fox News. Her response? “My mom picked it out.”
Social media loves her for it. With over 250,000 followers, Sophie shares everything from training snaps to Bible verses. Her faith is central: before every game, she draws a cross on her shoes, knees, heart, and forehead. “I play to glorify Him,” she’s said, quoting Romans 8:28. Matching faith tattoos with her sister reflect their spiritual bond.
As for romance? Sophie’s been open about flying solo — focusing on basketball, not boyfriends. “I’m single and not looking,” she’s said, laughing off public curiosity.
Financially, she’s doing just fine. Between her WNBA salary, endorsements with Adidas and Quest Nutrition, and analyst work, her net worth is estimated at $1.5 million. She splits her time between Indiana, Phoenix, and her beloved Missouri roots.
In a league where flash often overshadows substance, Sophie Cunningham stands out for both. She’s tough, grounded, and unapologetically herself — a homegrown hero who plays with heart, leads with purpose, and refuses to fit into anyone’s mold but her own.
