Sophie Cunningham and Caitlin Clark: From Teammates to Trusted Allies

By Jocelyn Alano June 20, 2025 06:58

The Indiana Fever’s 2025 season has been defined by more than just on-court strategy and box scores—it’s also been shaped by the dynamic relationship between two of its most talked-about players: Sophie Cunningham and Caitlin Clark. While fans and pundits have speculated about the nature of their bond, the reality is a story of mutual respect, fierce loyalty, and a partnership that’s become the backbone of the Fever’s resurgence.

A Chemistry That’s Hard to Miss

Sophie Cunningham, a seasoned WNBA guard acquired from the Phoenix Mercury, joined Indiana with a reputation for toughness and a knack for energizing teammates. Her arrival coincided with Caitlin Clark’s meteoric rise as the league’s newest superstar, and it didn’t take long for their chemistry to become a talking point. On and off the court, the two have displayed a camaraderie that’s both genuine and infectious.

Cunningham herself addressed the connection, saying, “I believe she has faced immense pressure at such a young age. Many people haven’t experienced what she has, making it easy to criticize. We need to support one another and lift each other up.” She added, “When we first encountered them, I told her, ‘Keep it up; you’re doing great. If you ever need anything, don’t hesitate to reach out,’ which is unusual for me since I typically take a more laid-back approach.”

On-Court Protection and Viral Moments

The partnership reached new heights during a heated June matchup against the Connecticut Sun. When Clark was repeatedly targeted with physical fouls, Cunningham stepped in—literally. After Sun guard Jacy Sheldon poked Clark in the eye, Cunningham retaliated with a hard foul, earning an ejection but also widespread admiration. Social media exploded with praise, dubbing Cunningham “Clark’s security guard” and “The Enforcer.” One viral post read, “Every great player needs someone like Sophie,” while hashtags like #BodyguardEnergy trended across platforms.

Cunningham, reflecting on her role, stated, “I’m feisty, I’m fierce, I’m sassy. I stick up for my teammates, I stick up for myself, and I think that’s a good thing.” Her actions spoke volumes, and even NFL stars like Jared Verse publicly applauded her for defending Clark in the face of escalating aggression from opponents.

Addressing the Rumors: Just Friends, Fierce Teammates

Despite a viral video and rampant fan speculation about a possible romantic relationship, both Cunningham and Clark have made their statuses clear. Clark is in a long-term relationship with Connor McCaffery, while Cunningham has stated she is single and interested in men. Cunningham playfully addressed the rumors by resharing the viral clip with a caption to Clark: “Fix your face,” a move that only added to the playful banter between the two and further endeared them to fans.

Impact Beyond the Headlines

Statistically, Cunningham has been a key contributor for the Fever, averaging double-digit points and providing veteran leadership. But her greatest impact may be in the culture she’s helped foster—a team-first mentality where stars like Clark can thrive without bearing the weight of the spotlight alone.

As the Fever continue their playoff push, the Cunningham-Clark relationship stands as a testament to the power of trust, loyalty, and friendship in professional sports. As one fan put it, “Every superstar needs a Sophie Cunningham”—and for Caitlin Clark, that’s proven to be true both on and off the court.