Sophie Cunningham has been getting a lot of limelight since her time with the Indiana Fever. Owing to her aggressive play and a knack for protecting Caitlin Clark, Cunningham landed with a wrestling offer while earning the ‘enforcer’ tag. And all such antics have made her an instant hit with the fans. Surprisingly, behind the tough exterior, there seems to be another side to Cunningham’s story.
Currently, the 29-year-old is sidelined nursing her MCL injury. However, while she is finding it hard to watch her team play from the sidelines, the Fever guard shared some candid memories from her childhood.
Sophie Cunningham Shares Her Childhood Bonding With Nature
Cunningham recently appeared on ‘Beyond Basketball with Sophie Cunningham,’ presented by Yrefy. The segment stressed how the Fever star prioritizes striking a balance outside the basketball court. Speaking on the topic, the Fever guard pointed out how she has grown up in the lap of nature. The former Missouri Tigers star stated that growing up, she rode horses as well as four-wheelers.
“I grew up riding horses, four wheelers, tractor rides, doing back roads… There’s just something about being out with nature [thatl just kind of resets you. It brings you peace,” said Cunningham.
"I grew up riding horses, four wheelers, tractor rides, doing back roads…There's just something about being out with nature [that] just kind of resets you. It brings you peace." 🐎🌳🚜
— Indiana Fever (@IndianaFever) September 6, 2025
In the second episode of Beyond Basketball with Sophie Cunningham presented by Yrefy, we… pic.twitter.com/CHnRay14Uy
Surely, this is quite a surprising admission from the enforcer. After all, WNBA enthusiasts know Cunningham for her immensely physical play. Apart from that, she is also well-known for not sugarcoating her words. In a recent statement, Cunningham hit back at Skip Bayless by calling him a ‘clout chaser.’ Thus, having such a soft side is something new that the fans got to know via the segment. Meanwhile, striking up a close bond with Clark, the 29-year-old recently compared the 2024 Rookie of the Year to Kobe Bryant.
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Sophie Cunningham Compares Caitlin Clark With Late Kobe Bryant
The late great Kobe Bryant was one of the biggest names in the NBA back in the days. While there can be no comparison with Bryant, Cunningham recently stated that she saw shades of Bryant in Clark. Just like the late NBA icon, Clark too had an immediate and a lasting impact on the league. With the defending Rookie of the Year star, the league burst into limelight and has been garnering millions.
“I’m just being real and truthful that [Clark] has brought millions, millions — I wouldn’t be surprised if it was billions — of eyes to the W[NBA]. And on to women’s sports. She is a Kobe Bryant. And that’s how Diana [Taurasi] was, that’s how Sue [Bird] was, we’ve had these types of people, but this is just bigger, because the media platform is bigger than it ever has been,” Cunningham said.
Surely, it is evident that Cunningham’s friendship with Clark runs deep. And with both out of the current season, the ‘enforcer’ might try to go back to nature and heal herself physically and mentally to come back for the next season.