Sophie Cunningham Biography: Indiana Fever Guard, WNBA Veteran & Missouri Legend

Sophie Cunningham is an American professional basketball player who currently plays guard for the Indiana Fever in the WNBA. Known for her toughness, shooting, and leadership, she is a versatile veteran with a decorated college career and a strong presence in the league.

Sophie-Cunningham
Sophie-Cunningham

Early Life and Background

  • Full Name: Sophie Elizabeth Cunningham

  • Date of Birth: August 16, 1996

  • Hometown: Columbia, Missouri

  • Height: 6’1″ (1.85 m)

  • Weight: 170 lbs (77 kg)

  • Position: Guard

  • High School: Rock Bridge High School

    • Led team to four consecutive state championships

    • All-time leading scorer for the girls’ basketball program (1,983 career points)

    • McDonald’s All-American (2015)

    • Gatorade Missouri Girls Basketball Player of the Year (2014)

    • Co-Miss Show-Me Basketball (2015)

College Career: Missouri (2015–2019)

  • Four-year standout for the Missouri Tigers

  • Accolades:

    • SEC Freshman of the Year (2016)

    • SEC All-Freshman Team (2016)

    • Three-time First-Team All-SEC (2017–2019)

    • Third-team All-American (AP, USBWA, 2019)

  • Career Stats:

    • 2,187 points, 701 rebounds, 390 assists in 129 games

    • Averaged 17.0 points, 5.4 rebounds, 3.0 assists per game

  • Notable:

    • Led Missouri to multiple NCAA Tournament appearances

Professional Career

  • Drafted: 13th overall, 2019 WNBA Draft by Phoenix Mercury

  • Phoenix Mercury (2019–2024):

    • Played 182 games, averaging 7.7 points, 2.7 rebounds, 1.4 assists per game

    • Career highs: 12.6 points (2022), 4.4 rebounds (2022), 2.1 assists (2023)

    • Key contributor off the bench and as a starter

    • Helped Mercury reach 2021 WNBA Finals

  • Indiana Fever (2025–present):

    • Traded to Indiana Fever in a multi-team deal

    • Known for her energy, shooting, and defensive intensity

International & Other Experience

  • Played professionally in Australia and Turkey during WNBA offseasons

  • Broadcasting:

    • Recurring analyst for the Phoenix Suns’ pregame, halftime, and postgame TV coverage

Achievements & Honors

  • Third-team All-American (2019)

  • Three-time First-Team All-SEC (2017–2019)

  • SEC Freshman of the Year (2016)

  • SEC All-Freshman Team (2016)

  • McDonald’s All-American (2015)

  • Gatorade Missouri Girls Basketball Player of the Year (2014)

  • Co-Miss Show-Me Basketball (2015)

  • WNBA Finals appearance (2021)

Playing Profile

  • Strengths:

    • Versatile scorer and shooter

    • Tough, physical defender

    • High basketball IQ and leadership

    • Clutch performer in big games

  • Style:

    • Energetic, competitive guard who excels in transition and half-court offense

    • Brings toughness, experience, and a team-first mentality

FAQs About Sophie Cunningham

What position does Sophie Cunningham play?
Guard

Which team does she play for?
Indiana Fever (WNBA)

How old is Sophie Cunningham?
28 (born August 16, 1996)

What are her main achievements?
Third-team All-American, three-time First-Team All-SEC, SEC Freshman of the Year, McDonald’s All-American, WNBA Finals appearance

What is her playing style?
Versatile, tough guard with strong shooting and defense

Conclusion

Sophie Cunningham is a proven competitor and leader whose success at Missouri and in the WNBA has made her a respected figure in women’s basketball. Her toughness, shooting, and experience make her a valuable asset for the Indiana Fever and a role model for aspiring players.