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Indiana Fever Reveal Sophie Cunningham's Status Against Chicago Sky 1 May 4, 2025; Iowa City, IA, USA; Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham (8) in action during the game against Brazil National Team at Carver-Haweye Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

Indiana Fever Reveal Sophie Cunningham’s Status Against Chicago Sky

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Grant Afseth | Last updated May 16, 2025 7:46 PM ET

The Indiana Fever will be without forward Sophie Cunningham when they host the Chicago Sky on Saturday afternoon at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Cunningham has officially been ruled out due to a right ankle injury during the team’s final preseason game on May 10.

Cunningham sustained the injury in the third quarter of the Fever’s matchup against the Atlanta Dream, rolling her ankle after landing on Rhyne Howard’s foot while going for a rebound. She did not return to the game and was later seen in a walking boot. Cunningham has yet to participate in a full practice since the injury.

Fever head coach Stephanie White confirmed the team is taking a cautious, day-to-day approach to her recovery.

“It’s going to be a day-to-day thing, just seeing how she recovers,” White said. “I’ll depend on our training staff to tell me what she’s capable of doing every day, and we’ll see how it goes.”

With Indiana facing six games in the first 14 days of the season, White stressed the importance of prioritizing Cunningham’s long-term health.

“It’s a long season, so we want to make sure we’re making the best long-term decisions when it comes to her health and wellness, and her ability to produce for our team,” White said.

Sophie Cunningham Keeps the Mood Light

Though sidelined, Cunningham’s impact on the team remains strong. Her presence and personality have been felt throughout the week. At Friday’s practice, she beat Caitlin Clark in a half-court shooting contest, prompting laughter and playful taunts from the sidelines.

“I told you guys I’m ready to play!” Cunningham declared after sinking her shot.

She even interrupted a coach’s media session by belting out lyrics from John Fogerty’s Centerfield—“Put me in coach, I’m ready to play – today!”—before returning to the court to drain threes in warmups.

“I’m going crazy!” she added with a grin, still clearly frustrated that she isn’t cleared to play.

Clark, ever the competitor, joked after Cunningham’s long-range success, “I think her ankle is fine.”

White acknowledged the void left by Cunningham’s temporary absence.

“[Practice] felt a little bit different without Sophie out there, just because she brings so much energy, and she’s like this big bright light that comes in.”

Importance of the Indiana Fever

Sophie Cunningham Injury Update: Will She Be Ready for Indiana Fever’s Opener? 3 May 4, 2025; Iowa City, IA, USA; Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham (8) reacts during the third quarter against the Brazil National Team at Carver-Haweye Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

Cunningham was one of Indiana’s key offseason acquisitions and stood out during preseason action, averaging 10.7 points, 4.3 rebounds, and shooting 51.5% from the field. Her spacing, toughness, and leadership are expected to be critical pieces in Indiana’s push to return to playoff contention.

While her absence will be felt, the Fever are making it clear that Cunningham’s full recovery takes priority over rushing her back for the opener. Indiana and Cunningham remain focused on the long term in this process.

The Fever will reassess Cunningham’s status in the coming days. After Saturday’s game against the Sky (3:00 p.m. ET, WNBA League Pass), Indiana will have a short break before facing the Atlanta Dream in back-to-back games next week.

As the regular season gets underway, Cunningham’s ankle may be keeping her off the court—but her personality and presence remain front and center.

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

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