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Fever Star Sophie Cunningham Celebrated For 'Incredible' Gesture

Originally posted on The Spun | By Chris Rosvoglou | Last updated Jul 4, 2025 8:05 PM ET

Sophie Cunningham has dealt with some criticism during her first season with the Indiana Fever. On Friday, however, all she received was praise.

Earlier this week, Cunningham made headlines when she was asked about the WNBA's expansion plans. She questioned if people would be excited to play for Cleveland or Detroit. Obviously, that remark didn't sit well with people from those two cities. After a day of nonstop criticism, she retracted her initial comments.

"Yeah, OK. First of all, I know the history behind the WNBA. I know that both of those cities have had teams before, and they got us where we're at. So I'm thankful for that," Cunningham said. "All I was really getting at is like — Broadway, the off-court lifestyle, and so I think that is really intriguing. I think Miami is intriguing. That's all I was getting at."

Luckily for Cunningham, she won't have to apologize for her latest act.

On Friday, former U.S. Marine Travis Howze revealed that Cunningham promised his daughter that she'd sign her Fever jersey. After warming up for roughly 30 minutes, she fulfilled that promise.

"I’ve had the pleasure of meeting many celebrities , athletes etc. but nothing tops this brief moment with my daughter and @sophie_cham," Howze wrote on Instagram. "Sophie promised my daughter that she would sign her jersey. After warming up for 30-40 min and being pulled into so many directions, she remembered that she gave her word to this little girl, kept her promise and made a B line straight for her. Thank you for this moment Sophie."

Howze shared a video of this heartwarming interaction for everyone to see.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Travis Howze (@travishowze)

Countless fans praised Cunningham for this classy gesture.

"This is amazing I love it," one person commented.

"Yet another amazing reason to love Sophie Cunningham," a second person wrote.

"That's how you build a league," a third person said.

For the most part, Cunningham has enjoyed a really good week - on and off the court. During the WNBA Commissioner's Cup final, she scored 13 points in a 74-59 victory over the Minnesota Lynx.

Cunningham will return to the hardwood on Saturday night when the Indiana Fever take on the Los Angeles Sparks.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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