Who is Sophie Cunningham? Viral WNBA moment shows her fierce defense of Caitlin Clark
During a tense WNBA showdown, one moment stole the spotlight. As Indiana Fever's rising star Caitlin Clark faced rough defence, a teammate quickly stepped in with bold energy. Social media lit up within minutes.
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Videos were reposted. Fans started debating. Who is Sophie Cunningham and why did she jump in to defend Caitlin Clark so fiercely? The clip is everywhere now and so is Sophie Cunningham's name. The moment has sparked attention everywhere and now everyone can't stop talking.
Sophie Cunningham defends Caitlin Clark and steals the spotlight at Fever Sun game
On June 17, 2025, in Indianapolis, Indiana, the Indiana Fever hosted the Connecticut Sun in a regular-season game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Tensions flared late in the third quarter when Sun guard Jacy Sheldon poked Caitlin Clark in the eye, followed by a shove from team captain Marina Mabrey.
That's when Sophie Cunningham, a former black‑belt in taekwondo, rushed in to defend Clark, committing a hard foul on Sheldon and triggering a heated scramble that led to her ejection.
The moment was caught on camera and immediately went viral across X, TikTok, and Instagram. Many fans have praised Cunningham for her brave act. One user wrote on X,
"Sophie Cunningham aka The Enforcer,"
while another said, 'Every superstar needs a Sophie Cunningham'.
Soon after, jerseys bearing her name sold out—proof of her rise in popularity.
Sophie Cunningham emerges as Caitlin Clark's defender and fan favorite
Born in Missouri, Sophie Cunningham joined the Fever in January 2025, having four seasons with the Phoenix Mercury. Recognized for her sharp shooting and strong defence, she was signed by coach Stephanie White to guard Caitlin Clark, the team's rising star. Cunningham's background in martial arts, earning a black belt in taekwondo at age six, helped define her aggressive on‑court presence.
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After her ejection, Cunningham remained calm. 'Everything I've done, it's always stayed in between the lines," she told reporters in 2023 . Her support for Clark came under intense media spotlights, leading some to call the WNBA officials out for poor control. Critics like Chris Evert and Dave Portnoy weighed in, too, arguing both players and referees share responsibility.
The Fever won the game 88‑71, advancing to the Commissioner's Cup final. As the dust settles, Sophie Cunningham is no longer just a role player. She's now recognized as 'The Enforcer", a fierce protector who helped define one of the WNBA's most talked-about moments this season.
With this viral moment now online, everyone knows Sophie Cunningham and they're watching to see how she continues to back up Caitlin Clark both on and off the court.
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