From the heartlands of Missouri to the hardwoods of the WNBA, Sophie Cunningham’s journey is nothing short of a modern sports fairy tale. A fierce competitor, record-setting scorer, devout Christian, fashion-forward personality, and rising basketball analyst, Cunningham’s life is a rich blend of faith, family, and basketball. With her signature grit and Midwestern charm, she’s not just playing the game — she’s redefining it.

Early Life on the Farm

Born on August 16, 1996, in Columbia, Missouri, Sophie Elizabeth Cunningham grew up surrounded by rolling fields, horses, and a tight-knit, faith-driven family. Her upbringing on a rural farm instilled values that still shape her today — hard work, humility, and resilience. Sophie and her older sister Lindsay spent their days riding horses bareback, doing farm chores, and building the unshakable bond that would define their personal and athletic lives.

Her parents, Jim and Paula Cunningham, were athletes themselves. Paula ran track at the University of Missouri, and Jim played college football. It’s no surprise that athletic excellence runs in the family. Sophie and Lindsay both inherited not just their parents’ talents but their intense competitive spirit. In fact, the sisters even share matching three-wave tattoos, representing family, faith, and unity — cornerstones of Sophie’s identity.

High School Phenom

Sophie attended Rock Bridge High School in Columbia, where she quickly made headlines as a basketball prodigy. Playing guard, she racked up 1,983 career points, becoming the all-time leading scorer in school history. Her senior year (2014–15) was capped off with honors like Gatorade Missouri Girls Basketball Player of the Year and a McDonald’s All-American selection — achievements that cemented her status as the top prep player in the state.

And in a plot twist worthy of a sports movie, when the school’s football kicker was injured, Sophie stepped in and kicked extra points — just another day for the multi-talented athlete who was willing to do anything for her team.

College Legend at Missouri

Choosing to stay close to home, Sophie committed to the University of Missouri, where she and Lindsay would finally fulfill their dream of playing together. From 2015 to 2019, Sophie became the face of Mizzou basketball. Starting all 129 games in her college career, she was a scoring machine, averaging 17 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 3 assists per game.

She earned First Team All-SEC honors three times and became Mizzou’s all-time leading scorer with 2,187 points. Her senior season saw her named Missouri’s first-ever AP All-American. Her combination of clutch shooting, tough defense, and relentless energy helped lead Mizzou to four straight NCAA tournament appearances — a feat the program hadn’t achieved before.

Her junior year was especially jaw-dropping: she led the nation in field goal percentage (54.2%) and topped the SEC in three-point shooting at 45.7%. Simply put, she was unstoppable.

WNBA and Pro Career

Sophie was drafted 13th overall by the Phoenix Mercury in the 2019 WNBA Draft — the highest-ever selection from Mizzou. In her rookie season, she saw limited action but impressed with her 88.2% free-throw shooting and a standout 19-point game against Indiana.

She continued to grow each season, becoming a full-time starter by 2022, where she averaged a career-best 12.6 points and 4.4 rebounds per game. Known for her deadly perimeter shooting and relentless hustle, Cunningham solidified her place as one of the WNBA’s most reliable scorers.

In 2025, after six years in Phoenix, Sophie was traded to the Indiana Fever in a blockbuster four-team deal. Fever GM Amber Cox praised her as “one of the best shooters in our league.” The move signals a new chapter for Sophie, one where she’ll bring leadership and veteran experience to Indiana’s young roster.

Off-Court Passions: Broadcasting, Faith, and Fashion

Sophie’s talents aren’t limited to the court. In 2022, she began working as an NBA analyst for Phoenix Suns broadcasts, offering insight during pregame and postgame shows. Her natural charisma and basketball IQ have made her a standout in sports media, potentially paving the way for a future in broadcasting.

Deeply religious, Sophie openly credits God for guiding her path. Before every game, she performs a quiet ritual — drawing a cross on her shoes, knees, heart, and forehead. She frequently shares Bible verses online, such as Romans 8:28, and speaks candidly about her faith being the foundation of her confidence and calmness.

When it comes to fashion, Sophie doesn’t shy away from bold choices. One 2024 pregame outfit — a Love Island-inspired dress showing off her tan lines — went viral. When asked about the daring look, she laughed and revealed, “My mom picked it out.” This blend of authenticity, humor, and confidence only adds to her growing fanbase.

Lifestyle, Personal Life, and Net Worth

Despite her rising fame, Sophie stays grounded. She still enjoys horseback riding, fishing, and spending time outdoors — activities that remind her of her Missouri roots. She’s single by choice, often joking about not needing a boyfriend because she’s already “married to basketball.”

As of 2025, Sophie’s net worth is estimated at $1.5 million. She earns a solid WNBA salary, endorsement deals with brands like Adidas and Quest Nutrition, and additional income from her analyst work. She has lived in Columbia, Phoenix, and now Indianapolis, but always calls Missouri home.

Legacy in Progress

Sophie Cunningham is more than just a WNBA star. She’s a small-town success story, a fierce competitor, and a role model for girls everywhere who dream of playing ball at the highest level. From her record-setting college days to her bold fashion statements and strong faith, Sophie continues to inspire — on and off the court.

Her story is still being written, but one thing’s for sure: Sophie Cunningham is a name we’ll be hearing for years to come.