Christine Tannous/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

'Call Me Angel Reese': Sophie Cunningham Addresses Tough Situation

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Angelo Guinhawa | Last updated Oct 17, 2025 11:01 PM ET

After a 2025 season that ended prematurely due to a knee injury, Sophie Cunningham is now recovering and undergoing rehab. She played 30 games for the Indiana Fever in the past season, averaging 8.6 points, 3.5 rebounds, 1.2 assists and 1.0 steal.

Cunningham established herself not only as a reliable backup for the Fever, but also as a feisty competitor and enforcer who protects her teammates. Unfortunately, she tore her right MCL in August, which required surgery.

Amid her recovery this offseason, though, Cunningham encountered some problems when it comes to her health. A food sensitivity test revealed that she has a high sensitivity to a number of foods, including pork, beef, dairy products and items with gluten in them.

The 29-year-old admitted that she's screwed and that it's a "huge problem" because of her current diet.

Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham (8) reacts during a game against the Phoenix Mercury.Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Cunningham, however, couldn't help but poke fun at her situation and find some positives in it. For one, she feels that she will be forced to be more fit and probably get a model figure.

The former Phoenix Mercury guard even said she can become a Victoria's Secret model like Chicago Sky star Angel Reese. For those unaware, Reese became the first professional athlete to walk the Victoria's Secret Fashion runway during the 2025 show on Wednesday.

"A huge one I forgot to mention is gluten, which is in every carb pretty much possible, and I know they make like gluten-free stuff, but that [expletive] tastes weird to me," Cunningham said.

"I can still eat chicken, that's good. Yeah, I feel like I'm going to be kind of turning into a rabbit, so I don't know, I guess I'm going to turn into a Victoria's Secret model. Call me Angel Reese."

Sophie Cunningham after finding out she has new food restrictions: "Call me Angel Reese" pic.twitter.com/Ss0MOe5ndW
— Kit Espina (@KeithEspino22) October 18, 2025

Cunningham admitted that she's worried about her dairy and gluten sensitivity, especially since cheese is one of her favorite foods. Regardless, she does see the potential benefits the issue might bring when it comes to her overall health.

"The ones I really am like worried about is the dairy and gluten. Like, I'm not kidding, that's in every meal that I eat. I put cheese on everything. It's like one of my favorite things. So, maybe that's what's wrong with me. I don't know. But, maybe I really am about to get fit and live my best life. So, hell yeah," Cunningham shared.

The veteran guard is a free agent this offseason, so she definitely needs to be at her best condition as she navigates free agency while recovering in time for the 2026 season. As she hinted, the situation could be a blessing in disguise for her.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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