Sophie Cunningham

Sophie Cunningham was born on January 25, 1996, in Columbia, Missouri, into a basketball family — her father played college basketball at Missouri. She followed in his footsteps, attending the University of Missouri where she became one of the program's all-time leading scorers. She was selected in the second round of the 2019 WNBA Draft by the Phoenix Mercury. Known for her competitive fire, hustle, and willingness to embrace the physical side of the game, she became a fan favorite in Phoenix. Her visibility increased significantly during the 2024 WNBA season, which saw record viewership driven partly by the arrival of Caitlin Clark. Cunningham's intense, expressive style of play made her one of the most recognizable personalities in the league.

Sophie Cunningham represents the gritty, passionate side of WNBA basketball. In an era of rising visibility for women's sports, her genuine emotional investment in the game has made her a compelling figure for fans. She embodies the competitive spirit of a new generation of WNBA players who are helping bring the league to unprecedented mainstream attention.