Sophie Cunningham is the newest addition to the Indiana Fever, and she’s excited to make her mark. “I’m stoked. I’m so so excited. I think it’s refreshing,” Cunningham said after being traded from Phoenix to Indiana in a three-way deal that sent NaLyssa Smith and the No. 8 pick to Dallas. For Cunningham, this move is more than just a change in scenery—it’s an opportunity to take her game to the next level with a new team.

The 28-year-old guard’s professional journey began when Phoenix selected her with the 13th overall pick in the 2019 WNBA Draft after a standout college career at the University of Missouri. Before transferring to Indiana, Cunningham spent her entire professional career with the Mercury, where she became known for her sharpshooting and versatility.

Infact, last season, Sophie Cunningham was a key player for the Phoenix Mercury, starting 21 of 40 games and averaging 8.4 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game, with an impressive 37.8% from beyond the arc. She signed a $100,000 extension through 2025, which now transfers to her new team, the Indiana Fever, as part of a February 2025 trade. But who is Sophie Cunningham, and where did she get her start? Let’s take a closer look.

Where Is Sophie Cunningham From? What’s the Indiana Fever Star’s Nationality?

Sophie Cunningham, born on August 16, 1996, in Columbia, Missouri, is a proud American with deep ties to her hometown. Raised in a family with an athletic background—her father, Jim, was a football player, and her mother, Paula, was a track and field athlete at the University of Missouri—Cunningham’s love for sports was nurtured from a young age. She attended Rock Bridge High School in Columbia, where she became the all-time leading scorer for the girls’ basketball program and was named a McDonald’s All-American in 2015.

Following her high school success, Cunningham stayed close to home and joined the University of Missouri Tigers, where she became a dominant force on the court. Over four seasons, she earned multiple accolades, including SEC Freshman of the Year in 2016, three-time First-Team All-SEC honors, and Third-Team All-American recognition in 2019. Cunningham averaged 17.0 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game during her collegiate career, leading Missouri to several NCAA Tournament appearances. Her time at Mizzou solidified her reputation as one of the top prospects heading into the 2019 WNBA Draft, where Phoenix selected her with the 13th pick.

What Is Sophie Cunningham’s Ethnicity and Religion?

Sophie Cunningham’s ethnicity is American with European (white) descent. While specific details about her family’s European roots—potentially tied to common Midwestern ancestries like German or Irish—are not publicly documented, her heritage reflects the broader European-American fabric of Missouri, where she’s embraced her identity as a hometown hero.

She is Christian, and she openly shares her faith with her followers on social media. She has posted Bible verses, offering a glimpse into her spiritual life. One of her most notable posts pinned on her X account from 2016 reads: “Everything happens for a reason is not in the Bible but ‘God promises to work all things to good for those who love him’ is.” She references Romans 8:28, a verse that underscores her belief in God’s plan and purpose.

Faith is not only part of Cunningham’s personal life but also her bond with her sister, Lindsey. The two share matching tattoos of a wave with three peaks, a design inspired by a Bible verse, further reflecting the deep connection between faith and family in Cunningham’s life. The tattoo represents their shared values, and like their basketball careers, it’s a reminder of their strength and unity.