Sophie Cunningham has seen her profile and game soar since joining the Indiana Fever! And in a short period, she earned the reputation of being Caitlin Clark’s on-court enforcer. Popularity at her peak, the experienced star doubled her social media following in the offseason. But her breakout season came to an abrupt halt on August 17, when a season-ending MCL injury against the Connecticut Sun sent shockwaves through the Fever’s playoff hopes. Cunningham collided with Bria Hartley and immediately limped off the court, leaving fans holding their breath. Despite being sidelined, she continues to connect with supporters, remaining the Fever fans’ unquestioned top pick in the stands.

The Indiana Fever star had surgery on August 22, sharing a selfie from the bed while writing “see ya on the other side”. Fresh off her Missouri Hall of Fame induction, she made a hometown victory lap, then popped up at the Missouri–Louisiana football game, keeping the momentum rolling. However, Cunningham has joined the Fever squad in supporting the team for the playoff run from the sidelines. For the fans, that is the next best result other than her being on the court, and they are cashing in. 

The Missouri alum was seen signing tons of autographs before their Game 1 against the Atlanta Dream at the Gateway Center Arena. Cunningham was signing everything regardless of the fan’s affiliation. Right from a Fever jersey to a Dream, it was signed to give the fans a moment to remember. The line stretched long, but it seemed Cunningham was taking her time with every fan and giving them an autograph as well as some clicks. It was a clear representation of the fanbase Cunningham has cultivated in the recent months, and it is not without reason. 

Fans have quickly embraced Sophie’s sassy, feisty persona, which she also showcases through her own podcast. Her popularity surged early in the season during the now-famous Jacy Sheldon incident. That day, she stepped up to defend Clark after a series of fouls on the point guard. Yet Cunningham’s response was entirely genuine, motivated by loyalty and competitive fire rather than any desire for attention.

“When I did that, I read things from people who were like, ‘Oh, she did that because she knew she was going to get (more followers and endorsements).’ No. I had no idea this was going to blow up. I really didn’t. It was just the flow of the game, my thoughts got the best of me, and at the end of the day, it just shows that it’s OK to stick up for your teammates and you should be proud to do that.” Cunningham said later on. That attitude is something that many fans have been drawn towards. Her impact doesn’t end here.

The ‘Show Me Something’ podcast with West Wilson has grown into more than 35,000 subscribers on YouTube in a short amount of time, and that is not counting her streams on other platforms like Spotify and Apple. Her fanbase naturally consists of Indiana Fever fans who want her back for next season. It will not be easy, as Sophie Cunningham is a free agent like many others who become free agents in the offseason. However, the way the Indiana Fever has treated its injured players this season, the environment might just sway many players, including Cunningham, towards the Fever. 

Fever look to overcome odds with injured stars back for key playoff showdown

The Indiana Fever have all 5 infinity stones on the sidelines. Caitlin Clark, Sophie Cunningham, Aari McDonald, Sydney Colson, and Chloe Bibby have joined the team for the playoffs. It’s been a while since the crew was together, but they are pushing for that last hurrah to end the season. The Fever is meeting the No.2 seed Atlanta Dream in an uphill task where they are considered the underdogs in a 3 game series. Every bit of support helps. 

“It’s huge,” Fever coach Stephanie White said following practice Saturday. “No. 1, their communication, their perspective, and No. 2, just emotionally having them on board. It’s so hard when they’re injured because oftentimes you feel disconnected from the team, and we were on the road a lot this last month, so we were away from them a lot. They’re finally able to travel from a medical standpoint as well. I think having the whole team here, having those guys here, gives us a boost emotionally.”

Their teamwork and resilience in fighting as a team have been appreciated throughout the league. Fever has been dealt a bad hand with multiple injuries and has succeeded, regardless. The management has maintained the injured stars on the roster while depending on emergency signings to fill the void. 

The Fever had the option to waive the players with no chance of returning, but they chose to keep the family intact. It could make it easier to retain Sophie Cunningham and the other injured stars if they want to. The injury care and the culture are likely to be noticed across the league, especially by players who are not fitting in their current teams. Their culture could be a huge attraction in the offseason, which will have a free agent flurry because of the CBA expiring. It will make things in a tumultuous period a little easier.