Sophie Cunningham has become one of the most talked-about names in women’s basketball. Whether you know her for her three-pointers, trash talk, leadership, or her off-court persona, one thing’s certain — Sophie brings fire wherever she goes. This in-depth article uncovers everything about her: from her early life to her WNBA career, family background, faith, personal relationships, fanbase, controversies, and beyond.
Let’s break it all down.
🧬 Sophie Cunningham Biography and Early Life
- Full Name: Sophie Elizabeth Cunningham
- Date of Birth: August 16, 1996
- Birthplace: Columbia, Missouri, United States
- Zodiac Sign: Leo
- Height: 6’1″ (185 cm)
- Weight: Approx. 170 lbs (77 kg)
- Nationality: American
- Religion: Christian
- Position: Guard / Forward
Sophie Cunningham grew up in a sports-oriented family. Her drive, competitiveness, and confidence were shaped early by playing with her older siblings. Her sister Lindsey Cunningham also played Division I basketball, which made sports a shared passion in the household.
She attended Rock Bridge High School, where she led the team to four straight state championships and was named Gatorade Missouri Player of the Year twice.
🎓 Sophie Cunningham at Missouri Tigers (College Career)
Sophie chose to stay home and play for the University of Missouri (Mizzou) from 2015 to 2019. Her impact was immediate — she became the face of the program and brought national attention to Mizzou women’s basketball.
Sophie Cunningham College Stats Highlights:
| Year | Games | PPG | FG% | 3P% | RPG | APG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015–16 | 32 | 13.7 | 53.6% | 40.3% | 4.5 | 2.5 |
| 2016–17 | 33 | 17.5 | 47.4% | 41.2% | 5.7 | 3.2 |
| 2017–18 | 33 | 18.5 | 46.6% | 45.0% | 4.9 | 2.8 |
| 2018–19 | 32 | 17.8 | 47.5% | 39.0% | 6.0 | 2.8 |
She left Mizzou as:
- All-time leading scorer with 2,187 points
- 4x All-SEC selection
- Known for clutch shooting and vocal leadership
🏀 Sophie Cunningham’s WNBA Career and Statistics
Sophie was selected 13th overall by the Phoenix Mercury in the 2019 WNBA Draft.
Teams Played For:
- Phoenix Mercury (2019–Present)
She joined a team stacked with talent, including legends like Diana Taurasi and Brittney Griner. Initially a role player, she evolved into a starter and consistent scoring threat, especially in 2022.
WNBA Stats Summary (Updated to 2025):
| Year | Team | Games | PPG | 3P% | Minutes | Steals | Rebounds |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | PHX | 32 | 4.4 | 38.3% | 12.8 | 0.4 | 1.6 |
| 2020 | PHX | 20 | 6.1 | 40.0% | 17.3 | 0.7 | 2.2 |
| 2021 | PHX | 32 | 5.6 | 40.4% | 19.2 | 0.6 | 2.6 |
| 2022 | PHX | 36 | 12.6 | 41.5% | 29.0 | 1.1 | 4.4 |
| 2023 | PHX | 30+ | 11.3 | 39.2% | 28.1 | 1.0 | 3.8 |
🔥 Breakout Moment: Her 2022 playoff performance, where she dropped back-to-back 20+ point games, proved she was more than a spark plug — she was a game-changer.
💥 Sophie Cunningham Controversies and Public Reactions
1. Fiery On-Court Persona
Sophie is known for her intensity, trash talk, and hard fouls. Some fans love her competitive fire, while others label her as a WNBA villain. Notable clashes with teams like the Chicago Sky and Las Vegas Aces stirred debate.
2. Social Media Comments
She’s been outspoken on faith, politics, and personal beliefs, leading to both praise and backlash. Sophie often defends her right to speak openly — even when it divides opinions.
3. Critics on Rough Play
Critics have called her style “too aggressive,” especially when she’s picked up technical fouls or flagrant calls. She’s responded by saying she plays “with passion, not hate.”
🧠 Sophie Cunningham Injuries and Comebacks
Sophie has had her share of injuries, including:
- Back issues during her rookie season
- Concussion protocol in 2022
- Minor ankle sprains throughout the seasons
Despite these setbacks, she’s shown remarkable toughness and resilience, often returning ahead of schedule and never shying away from contact.
🏅 Sophie Cunningham Awards and Achievements
- Mizzou’s All-Time Leading Scorer
- Gatorade Player of the Year (High School)
- 4× All-SEC Team
- 2022 WNBA Playoff Star
- Played key role in Team USA 3×3 competitions
Sophie Cunningham Wife
As of 2025, Sophie Cunningham is not publicly married and has not confirmed being in a relationship with a wife or partner.
Despite ongoing curiosity about her personal life, especially among her LGBTQ+ fanbase and WNBA followers, Sophie has kept her romantic relationships completely private. She has not publicly identified her sexual orientation or spoken about any past or present partners.
Sophie Cunningham Height
As of 2025, Sophie Cunningham is listed at 6 feet 1 inch (185 cm) tall. This measurement appears consistently across official statistics and reliable profiles: ESPN, RealGM, and WNBA.com all confirm her height as 6’1″
❤️ Sophie Cunningham’s Personal Life
Is Sophie Cunningham Married?
As of 2025, Sophie Cunningham is not publicly married and has not shared any details about her romantic relationships. She tends to keep her dating life very private, which is respected by fans and media alike.
Family and Siblings:
- Sister: Lindsey Cunningham, former Mizzou basketball player
- Parents: Strong influence in her sports journey
Faith and Values:
- Sophie is a devout Christian and often shares scriptures and faith-based inspiration.
- She believes in using her platform to spread positivity and mental strength.
Hobbies:
- Traveling ✈️
- Hiking and Outdoor Fitness 🌲
- Spending time with family 👨👩👧👧
- Hosting basketball camps for young girls 🏀
📲 Sophie Cunningham’s Fan Following and Social Media
Social Media Stats (as of 2025):
| Platform | Handle | Followers |
|---|---|---|
| @sophie__cunningham | 220K+ | |
| @sophiecunn | 85K+ | |
| TikTok | Occasionally active | 30K+ |
Sophie engages regularly with fans, shares behind-the-scenes WNBA moments, fitness content, and her personal journey. She’s also very interactive, often replying to fan DMs, comments, and reposting artwork.
💼 Sophie Cunningham Endorsements and Partnerships
As Sophie’s profile has risen, so have her brand deals:
- Sponsored by Nike (shoes and apparel)
- Featured in WNBA promotional campaigns
- Collaborated with local Missouri-based wellness brands
- In talks for faith-based podcast and athletic brand line
She’s quickly becoming a brand face for toughness, authenticity, and faith-driven performance.
📊 Sophie Cunningham Career Timeline
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 2015 | Joins Missouri Tigers |
| 2019 | Drafted by Phoenix Mercury |
| 2020 | Becomes key bench player |
| 2022 | Breakout WNBA season |
| 2023 | Brand growth and starting lineup |
| 2024 | Fan favorite & leadership growth |
📌 Final Thoughts
Sophie Cunningham isn’t just a WNBA player — she’s a movement. She brings grit, skill, honesty, and faith to everything she does. Whether it’s sinking threes, speaking her mind, or motivating the next generation, Sophie remains one of the boldest personalities in women’s basketball today.
She’s only just getting started — and you’ll want to keep watching.
