August 2, 2025

Sophie Cunningham, a player for the Indiana Fever in the WNBA, shared her strong opinions regarding Caitlin Clark’s standing in the league during a recent episode of her podcast, 'Show Me Something.' The 28-year-old Cunningham, who joined the Fever from the Phoenix Mercury, is a fervent supporter of Clark, a 23-year-old rising star. On the podcast, co-hosted with Summer House actor West Wilson, Cunningham expressed her frustration with those claiming Clark does not represent the league, stating, "It literally pisses me off when people are like, 'She's not the face of the league.’ You're dumb as f*ck.” Cunningham emphasized that the pressure on Clark, who is only in her second year in the league, is palpable. Having witnessed Clark’s reception both as a teammate and an opponent, Cunningham acknowledged the intensity with which WNBA players often seem to confront Clark because of her increasing fame. Even before joining the Fever, Cunningham recalled her previous team, the Mercury, strategizing ways to challenge Clark, reflecting a competitive mindset common in sports. Things have changed for Cunningham since becoming Clark’s teammate. She noted that the hostility directed at Clark is evident and remarked, "What are people doing? It’s too much.” Her recognition of the excessiveness of the behavior indicates a call for solidarity among players rather than rivalry, especially toward someone who is helping elevate the league’s profile. Fans have observed that Clark has remained calm and collected through the scrutiny, dismissing rough treatment as part of the competitive sport. Despite tough fouls and intense rivalries, she has shown resilience, maintaining her focus on delivering top-tier performances. The discourse around Clark deepened following her recent ranking as the ninth-best guard in the WNBA, a placement regarded by sports announcer Dick Vitale as stemming from envy among peers. Vitale took to social media to voice his opinion, arguing that the jealousy surrounding Clark’s rise is detrimental and overshadowing her contributions to the league’s growth. His remarks resonated with many fans who see Clark's impact as transformative. The narrative spiraled further after the All-Star Game, when Kelsey Plum from the Los Angeles Sparks criticized Clark’s team for allegedly bypassing a meeting focused on securing better compensation for players. This incident sparked backlash from fans, who deemed Plum's comments as unnecessarily harsh toward Clark, reinforcing the sentiment that she is being singled out due to her rising popularity. As discussions about Clark's role unfold, one thing remains clear: she is currently one of the most significant figures in the WNBA, capturing attention both for her playing skill and her ability to attract a new audience to women’s sports. Sophie Cunningham’s defense of her teammate highlights the complexities athletes face, particularly in how they are perceived and treated within their professional environments. As the WNBA continues to grow, the narrative surrounding Caitlin Clark will likely evolve, but for now, players like Sophie Cunningham are committed to defending her and challenging the notion that success should be met with hostility rather than recognition.

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Tags: Caitlin clark, Sophie cunningham, Wnba, Women sports, Podcast,