Claim: Sophie Cunningham reaffirmed her stance on transgender athletes in women’s sports, and two high school athletes went viral for thanking her. 

In a June 21 profile published on ESPN, Indiana Fever’s Sophie Cunningham rejected the “MAGA Barbie” label, calling it “projection” based on “what she looks like and where she’s from.” Responding to criticism over her views on transgender athletes, she added, “I never once said” she hated trans people, adding that she is “here to extend love” but also wants to “protect young girls in a locker room” and “young girls in sport who shouldn’t have to go against biological men.” 

Her comments attracted some backlash, but when asked to expand on her views. 

“I think I said what I said. I think it’s kind of common sense,” Cunningham said. “I think I’ll always believe in that. I think it’s really important to protect children, and that’s little girls who are also involved in that category… That’s why you have Title IX. That’s why you have some of the greats in women’s sports. If Title IX and women’s sports weren’t protected, then you wouldn’t hear about any type of women in sports…”

After this, a report from Fox News claimed that Cunningham’s statements had inspired two young female athletes to continue advocating for fairness and safety in girls’ athletics despite facing criticism themselves. But is that really the case? Here’s what we found! 

Verdict: True

Cunningham’s statements have resonated with high school athletes, including Wisconsin’s Ella Frei and Michigan volleyball player Briley Lechner. Speaking on Fox & Friends, the two explained why Cunningham’s comments struck a chord with them.

“I want to say a huge thank you to Sophie because it’s really brave for her to stand up for young girls like Briley and [me],” said Ella Frei.

Frei said she was “ecstatic” to hear the WNBA star speak out, adding that it was encouraging to see an athlete with such a high-profile platform address an issue she believes many others have been hesitant to discuss.

Frei is currently suing her school district over its locker room policy. Lechner, meanwhile, said she unknowingly competed against and shared a locker room with a transgender athlete during her most recent volleyball season. She said Cunningham’s willingness to speak publicly has encouraged young female athletes like herself to do the same.

“It is making it 10 times more inspiring, and it’s encouraging me and a lot of other female athletes to speak out,” Lechner said. “I just hope, and I pray that more and more people contribute and continue to speak up.”

Our fact-checking sources:

• ESPN, July 21, 2026. Love her or hate her, Sophie Cunningham won’t be ignored
• James Boyd, July 23, 2026. Boyd’s X post
• Fox News, July 26, 2026. Sophie Cunningham inspires high school athletes to speak out on fairness in women’s sports