After getting sidelined from the 2025 WNBA season due to a torn right MCL in August, Sophie Cunningham is back to winning hearts. However, this time, not with a ball in her hand but with an apron and a ladle. As the Season of Giving returns to Indianapolis, the 29-year-old Indiana Fever star is giving back to the community.

Joining US Foods Holding, which has a market cap of $16.38B, and the Pacers Foundation for the annual Aaron Nesmith “Come To Our House” Dinner, Cunningham was serving warm meals to local Hoosiers ahead of the holidays. In a video shared by the Fever’s official X account, where she was mic’d up, the basketball star was seen sharing heartfelt moments with people, and when she said, “This is what we’re here for. We’re here for you,” she left everyone in awe.

The annual dinner isn’t just a one-off serve; it’s part of a legacy, which first began in the late 1990s under the Pacers’ leadership, and has now become a symbol of compassion and connection across Indiana basketball. This year, both the Pacers and the Fever teamed up for the event to continue a 28-year tradition of giving back, where more than 600 local Hoosiers experiencing hardship were served a warm meal, complete with bounce houses, hot chocolate, and goodie bags filled with blankets, hats, and socks.

Seeing Sophie Cunningham’s warmth and humility reminded many why she has become such a beloved figure in Indiana, as fans quickly flooded the comments with respect and admiration.

Fans shower Sophie Cunningham with love

“Sign her to a multi-year deal. She is such a great fit for this city and for this team,” one fan commented. The Indiana Fever traded for Cunningham last season, and it turned out to be one of the best decisions they have made. The star guard was not only a three-point shooter and a solid defender, but her on-court chemistry with Clark was unmatchable. She was averaging 8.6 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game before she had to exit early because of her injury. Now, for the upcoming season, she is one of many players who are going to hit the free agency, and fans’ stance is clear: they want the franchise to sign her back!

Whereas another wrote, “A woman of the people! She is a blessing to the community.” And it’s not hard to see why. Off the court, Sophie Cunningham has built a reputation for giving back wherever she goes. From supporting the Ronald McDonald House Charities and youth sports programs to volunteering at local events, the guard has always been hands-on with her outreach. Whether she’s serving meals, hosting camps, or simply taking time to connect with fans, especially young girls, Cunningham understands what it means to be a role model. Making one more fan add, “She’s always ready to lend a hand with happiness on top 🤩.”

Well, she always is. Speaking to Scott Agness of the Fieldhouse Files Podcast during the event, Cunningham opened up about the experience and the joy of giving back.

“I did not realize exactly how big this event was, but I was talking downstairs with Caitlin (Clark), she’s like, ‘This is one of the most fun ones to do.’ And I was talking to some of the guys, and they said the same thing,” Cunningham shared. “And so for any time that we can come back into this community and give back, that’s really what fulfills us. This is what makes this sport so special, yeah, you get to play basketball, but you really get to give to the community and meet the people who support you.”

Watching her share candid conversations with the families at the dinner, one fan couldn’t help but gush over her authenticity and wrote, “HOW CAN ANYONE NOT LOVE HER SERIOUSLY.” And perhaps the most heartfelt comment summed it up best: “So real. Sophie helping out serving meals. Don’t let a good thing go.”

Sophie Cunningham is not just showing up for the city on game nights; she’s showing up when it counts most, and the fans have noticed, and they want to see her suit up beside Clark again. However, with the ongoing CBA negotiation between WNBA and WNBPA, some details of which Cunningham is just finding out about, the Fever’s offseason moves remain uncertain.