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'All My Guard Dogs On Watch': Sophie Cunningham Embraces Farm Life During Sweet Reunion With Her Pets In Missouri
Aug 17, 2025; Uncasville, Connecticut, USA; Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham (8) and Indiana Fever guard Lexie Hull (10) warm up before the start of the game against the Connecticut Sun at Mohegan Sun Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images

Sophie Cunningham is back in Missouri, healing from a torn MCL and finding comfort in the quiet rhythm of farm life. The Indiana Fever forward recently shared a heartwarming moment on Instagram, posting a photo of her dogs with the caption: “All my guard dogs on watch for the crip <3.” It’s a glimpse into her recovery, surrounded by the animals and land that shaped her.

Cunningham’s connection to her family farm runs deep. Raised in Columbia, Missouri, she grew up riding horses, playing driveway basketball, and helping with chores\That mix of grit and love built the foundation for Sophie Cunningham’s competitive spirit.

Now sidelined after knee surgery, Sophie Cunningham isn’t just resting—she’s reconnecting. She’s posted clips of cows wearing collars and joked about wanting to walk over to them, even though movement is tough. Her podcast “Show Me Something” reveals she’s mostly icing her knee and staying grounded through family and nature.

The break from basketball has given Sophie Cunningham time to reflect. She’s not rushing through recovery, embracing the slower pace of farm life. Her posts show a woman who’s still fierce, still funny, and still finding joy—even off the court.

Whether she’s watching over cows or cheering from afar, Sophie Cunningham remains a presence fans can feel. And for now, her guard dogs are keeping watch.

Sophie Cunningham Found Fan Duties “Stressful”

Sophie Cunningham may be sidelined, but her heart is still in every Indiana Fever game. After a nail-biting win over the LA Sparks, she tweeted: “Is it always this stressful being a fan? I can’t take it… can’t sit still.”

76 to 75. That’s how close it was as the Fever and the Sparks locked horns. And Sophie Cunningham was given the difficult task of playing an important part: rest, recover, cheer and watch. A task very different from her usual where she takes direct action. Now, she faced the stressful task of watching it all unfold without her.


Mercury guard Sophie Cunningham hugs one of her head coach Nate Tibbett’s daughters during the WNBA All-Star Game in Phoenix on July 20, 2024.

The Fever has been forced to use their entire hand this season as Sophie Cunningham and several others have already been dealt. She still maintains her presence within the team through technology. Her tweet captured what many fans felt: the helplessness of watching, hoping, and holding your breath.

Even off the court, Sophie Cunningham brings energy. Her posts show she’s still locked in, still passionate, and still part of the team. For Fever fans, her voice is a reminder that she’s not gone—just waiting for her moment to return.


Jul 27, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham (8) drives to the basket against Chicago Sky guard Rebecca Allen (9) and guard Kia Nurse (11) during the first half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

This article first appeared on Hardwood Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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