Sophie Cunningham, a WNBA stars journey. In today’s video, we’ll dive deep into the life and career of Sophie Cunningham, an American professional basketball player and sharpshooting guard, now playing for the Indiana Fever in the WNBA. We’ll cover everything from her early years on a Missouri farm to her standout college career at the University of Missouri, her time as a Phoenix Mercury Star, and her exciting recent move to Indiana.

Along the way, we’ll touch on her family, her faith, and even her life off the court. If you enjoy this biography, please remember to like, comment, share, and subscribe for more great sports profiles. Sophie Elizabeth Cunningham was born on August 16th, 1996 in Columbia, Missouri. She grew up in a tight-knit rural family.

Growing up on that farm taught Sophie a strong work ethic from the very start. Family stories note that Sophie and Lindsay often helped with chores, rode horses bearback, and played outdoors daily. This farm upbringing instilled in Sophie a sense of balance and toughness that would later show up on the basketball court.

Sophie’s parents, Jim and Paula Cunningham, played a big role in shaping her life. Paula was a gifted multisport athlete softball, basketball, and track in high school and continued in track at Missouri, while Jim was a football player in college. They both passed their competitive spirit and athletic genes to their children.

Sophie has one older sister, Lindsay Cunningham, who also became a standout basketball player. Lindsay played at the University of Missouri as well, and the two sisters were very close growing up. In fact, Lindsay and Sophie dreamed of playing together in the same college program, and Lindsay eventually earned a basketball scholarship to Missou in the class of 2017, followed by Sophie a couple years later.

The sister’s close relationship. They even share matching three-wave tattoos symbolizing family faith and unity, was a strong influence on Sophie’s life. between their parents and siblings athletic backgrounds. Sophie was surrounded by role models in sport. Lindsay helped train Sophie and stories from their childhood show Lindsay acting as an elder coach and friend.

The family also included supportive grandparents Mama and Paw Paw, and even a great grandmother, all of whom cheered Sophie on at every Missouri Tigers game. In interviews, Sophie often mentions her parents’ advice and her sister’s encouragement as guiding influences on her work ethic and passion for the game. Sophie grew up in Colombia, Missouri, where she attended Rockbridge High School.

This is a public high school just outside Colombia, and it was there that Sophie first made a name for herself as a basketball prodigy. After graduating from Rockbridge in 2015, she chose to stay close to home by enrolling at the University of Missouri in Colombia. She played for the Missouri Tigers women’s basketball team from 2015 through 2019.

During her college years, she also pursued academics, majoring initially in an undeclared field while setting school records on the court. Her college career would become one of the most storied in program history, as we’ll see next. Throughout her schooling, Sophie maintained her Missouri roots. She has often said that Missouri was home to her and that family ties and local support made staying in Colombia the right choice.

In fact, she picked Missouri over nearly every other top program in the country because of her family’s history there. At Rockbridge High School, Sophie Cunningham was nothing short of spectacular. She played guard and became the all-time leading scorer for the Rockbridge girls basketball program, finishing her high school career with 1,983 points.

Her teams were dominant, compiling a combined record of 102 to 18 during her tenure. In her senior year, 2014 to 2015, Sophie’s outstanding play earned her top honors. She was named the 2014 Gatorade Missouri girls basketball player of the year and was selected as a McDonald’s All-American, one of the nation’s top high school players.

These awards reflected her elite status. She was widely regarded as the best prep player in Missouri. On the court, Sophie was known for her scoring, rebounding, and competitive fire. She routinely put up big numbers and carried Rockbridge to conference wins. An interesting anecdote from that time.

When the high school football team’s kicker was injured in 2014, Sophie even stepped in to kick extra points, showing her team first attitude. By the end of her high school career, she had cemented her reputation as a high-scoring leader and a winner. Her dominance at Rockbridge drew national attention and set the stage for a major college recruitment.

Sophie continued her scoring tier at the University of Missouri, becoming one of the greatest players in Tigers history. She started all 129 games of her college career, freshman through senior year, and was an immediate impact player. As a freshman in 2015 to 2016, she averaged 14.0 points and 5.

8 rebounds per game and was named SEC freshman of the year. In each of her four seasons, she was named to all SEC teams, notably earning first team all SEC honors three years in a row, 2016 to 2017 through 2018 to 2019. On the national stage, Sophie earned All-America recognition. In her senior season 2018 to 2019, she became Missouri’s first ever AP All-American when she was named to the Associated Press third team All-America.

She also received honorable mention all-America honors from the WBCA that year. Over her college career, Cunningham averaged 17.0 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game. She consistently ranked among the SEC leaders. For example, her junior year, she shot a nationleading 54.2% from the field and led the SEC in three-point shooting percentage, 45.7%.

Perhaps her greatest legacy in college was statistical. Sophie finished as Missizzou’s all-time leader in career points, 21,87, and free throws made 537. She also ranks second in program history in three-pointers made 590 and fourth in assists 390. These records reflect a career of scoring and productivity.

In conference play, she led the Tigers to four consecutive NCAA tournament appearances, a first for Missou after years of drought. Along the way, she earned other accolades such as SEC player of the week multiple times, and was a finalist for national awards like the Cheryl Miller Award. Her major college achievements included all-time Missouri leading scorer 2,187 points and leader in free throws made 2016 SEC freshman of the year.

Missouri’s first ever such honore. Three times first team all SEC 2017 2018 2019 AP third team all-American 2019 first Missouri player ever named AP All-American 2019 USBWA third team All-American and WBCA honorable mention and led Missouri to four straight NCAA tournaments 2016 to 2019. Her college success made her one of the top prospects in the 2019 WNBA draft.

Scouts noted her versatility as a scorer from all areas on the court and her pedigree of leadership. She left Missouri as a beloved homegrown star and a role model for future Tigers. Sophie Cunningham’s pro career began when the Phoenix Mercury drafted her with the 13th overall pick in the 2019 WNBA draft. She was the highest ever draft pick for Missou’s women’s program at that time.

Sophie made the Mercury’s opening roster and played sparingly in her rookie season, 32 games, five starts, averaging 3.1 points per game. She impressed by shooting a league leading 88.2% from the free throw line among rookies and scoring a career-high 19 points in a June 2019 game against Indiana. Over the next several years, Sophie’s role expanded.

She saw more playing time and scoring opportunities. By the 2022 season, she had cemented a starting role. In 2022, she averaged a career-high 12.6 points per game, along with 4.4 rebounds, both personal bests. She shot 44.9% from a field and a strong 38.3% from three that year, establishing herself as one of the Mercury’s key shooters.

That season, she also set career-h highs in field goal percentage and rebounds. In 2023, she continued to be a vital contributor, starting 31 games and averaging 11.3 points. During the WNBA off seasons, Sophie also played internationally. In 2019 to 2020, she joined the Melbourne Boomers of Australia’s WNBL, averaging 11.6 points, 3.6 6 rebounds and 2.

3 assists per game there. This experience overseas helped her develop further and stay in shape. After six seasons in Phoenix 2019 to 2024, Sophie’s career took a new turn. In January 2025, she was involved in a major 14 trade that sent her to the Indiana Fever. The Indiana Fever officially announced the Indiana Fever have acquired guard Sophie Cunningham from the Phoenix Mercury as part of a 14 trade.

As Fever general manager Amber Cox said, Cunningham was a player we have targeted for a while one of the best shooters in our league. In her new home, Sophie aims to take on a leadership role and bring her experience to the Fever’s young roster. Analyst career. In addition to playing, Sophie has begun work as a basketball analyst. In December 2022, while still an active player, she took on a role as an analyst for the Phoenix Suns NBA television broadcasts.

She serves as a recurring commentator on Suns Live, pregame, halftime, and postgame coverage. This position demonstrates her growing off-court profile and her ability to share insight into the game. It also keeps her engaged in the basketball world year round, which can help her transition to a post-playing career in broadcasting.

One day, Sophie Cunningham’s impact on women’s basketball runs deep, especially in her home state. At Missouri, she revitalized the program, leading the Tigers back to national prominence and setting records that will stand for years. She became a hometown hero and a role model for young players in Colombia and beyond.

Head coaches and teammates often praise her leadership and tenacity. During her college years, she was called the undisputed leader of the team. In the WNBA, Sophie is known as a fierce competitor and deadly shooter. As Indiana’s GM put it, she is a fierce competitor, works incredibly hard on both ends of the floor, and is one of the best shooters in our league.

Her sharp shooting reputation, the ability to drain threes from deep range, is a highlight of her game. Analysts note that Cunningham’s skill set and work ethic make her a player who can spark a bench or compliment superstars on the floor. Off the court, her poised, confident personality has made her popular with fans.

Her bold fashion choices and candid social media presence have given her a larger platform, especially as the WNBA has grown in visibility. Through community events and interviews, she often emphasizes hard work, faith, and family values, inspiring many young athletes. As a collegiate trailblazer for Missouri and now a veteran in the pros, Sophie’s legacy is that of a self-made athlete who led by example. Personal life.

Off the court, Sophie Cunningham is known to be lively and outgoing. She enjoys a variety of hobbies that reflect her upbringings such as singing, swimming, fishing, and horseback riding on her family’s farm. In high school and college, she even earned a black belt in taekwondo by age six, showing her dedication from a young age.

Family is very important to her. She frequently mentions how being around nature and loved ones keeps her grounded. Sophie has also embraced a fun, fashionforward style. She often shares her bold pregame outfits and personal photos on social media. In fact, one of her pregame outfits went viral in 2024. She arrived to a game in a Love Island inspired cutout dress revealing her tan lines which stirred online chatter.

When asked about it, Sophie laughed that actually my mom picked that outfit out and she took the attention with good humor. This incident reflects her playful personality and confidence to be herself in the public eye. She is active on social media with over a quarter million followers where she combines basketball content with personal insights and humor.

Sophie has spoken about having a bluecollar mentality and relishes hard work both on and off the court. Overall, friends and coaches describe her as approachable, hard-working, and spirited with a contagious enthusiasm that makes her popular in the locker room. Religion. Sophie Cunningham is a devout Christian, and her faith is a visible part of her life.

She has spoken openly about how religion guides her career. Notably, before games, she has a personal routine of drawing a cross on her shoes, then on her knees, heart, and forehead. a ritual to keep her focus on God and remind herself she is playing to glorify him. In interviews, she explained that this prayerful routine calms her mind and centers her before tip off.

On social media, Sophie frequently shares Bible verses and faith-based messages. For example, she once quoted Romans 8:28, saying, “God promises to work all things to good for those who love him.” And made it a pin tweet. She has also stated publicly, “I knew that this is where God wanted me to be upon being drafted into the WNBA, showing how she views her career as aligned with a divine plan.

” Both Sophie and her sister Lindsay have matching wrist tattoos of a three-wave design inspired by a Bible verse, symbolizing that connection between faith and family. In short, Sophie’s Christian faith is an integral part of her identity. It influences her onc court composure and off-c court perspective. She often credits God in interviews and uses her platform to encourage others making her a role model not just in sports but in personal values as well.

Dating history. Sophie has largely kept her dating life private. Publicly she has made it clear that she has been focusing on her career and personal growth. In fact, she has shared on social media that she is currently single and not actively looking for a boyfriend, preferring to concentrate on basketball and faith.

 There are no confirmed public relationships or significant others known in the media, and Sophie herself has joked about not having a boyfriend while embracing her independence. As of now, her personal life seems centered on family, faith, and basketball rather than any high-profile romance. lifestyle. Off the court, Sophie leads an active, hands-on lifestyle.

She spends a lot of time outdoors and with family, reflecting her Missouri roots. Besides her hobbies mentioned above, she also keeps herself in top shape with regular training and conditioning programs year round to maintain her athletic performance. Her commitment to fitness is typical of a professional athlete, though details of her specific regimen are private.

Fashion is a noticeable part of Sophie’s lifestyle. She often makes headlines with her bold, eye-catching outfits. For example, Fox News reported on her pregame fashion, noting how she turned heads with unique dresses and was unbothered by any criticism, even quipping that her mom had approved her viral look. Fox Newsw.

com She has built a personal brand around confidence and style. On social media, one can see her posing in athletic and chic attire. Sophie also engages in brand partnerships that align with her lifestyle and interests. She has worked with fitness and lifestyle brands. For instance, partnering with a protein company Quest Nutrition sentports.

com and is an Adidas athlete frequently wearing Adidas gear in games essentiallyports.com. These deals fit her personal image, energetic, healthfocused, and honest. All of this shows that Sophie’s off-c court life balances her rural Missouri values family, outdoors, hard work with the modern role of a professional athlete and influencer.

Net worth and residences. As a professional athlete and endorser, Sophie Cunningham has built a comfortable financial profile. She is estimate to have a net worth of around $1.5 million as of 2025. The bulk of her income comes from her WNBA salary. For instance, when she signed an extension with Phoenix in early 2025, it was a one-year contract worth $100,000.

Her salary for the 2024 season was roughly $120,000. Beyond her playing salary, Sophie earns from endorsements and media work. She is a paid Adidas athlete and has fronted campaigns for products like Quest Bars and skincare. According to reports, she has also been paid for roles as a broadcast analyst.

While exact numbers aren’t public, these side deals add significantly to her earnings over time. All told, most financial analysts agree Sophie’s total career income, counting basketball pay, and endorsements is in the low to mid7 figures, and her net worth around $1.5 million reflects this. Sophie Cunningham’s life has taken her to a few cities, reflecting her career moves.

She was born and raised in Colombia, Missouri, and lived there throughout high school and college. After joining the WNBA, she spent her off season living in Phoenix, Arizona, home of the Mercury. during the five-month WNBA seasons and frequently returned to Colombia in the off seasons. As of 2025, after being traded, Sophie has made Indianapolis, Indiana, or nearby her new base since that’s where the Fever Play.

No reports suggest Sophie owns any private vacation homes or properties beyond these known bases. Like many young players, she likely rents housing in each city as needed. In interviews, she has often spoken of her Missouri roots with pride, calling Colombia home. So, she may still have family there. But professionally, her residence has followed her teams, Phoenix and now Indiana.

And that is all about Sophie Cunningham’s life story. Please go ahead and like this video. Leave a comment below, share, and subscribe to our channel. Heat. [Music] Heat.