Indiana Fever News

Home

Quizzes

Newsletter

Sophie Cunningham Shows Appreciation For Kyle Juszczyk, George Kittle, Ricky Pearsall And Partners Wearing New WNBA Merch 6 Aug 17, 2025; Uncasville, Connecticut, USA; Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham (8) warms up before the start of the game against the Connecticut Sun at Mohegan Sun Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images

'She Means So Much In The Tiger Program': Sophie Cunningham Honored With Emotional Tribute From Fever GM Amber Cox For Hall Of Fame Achievement

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Dan Agulto | Last updated Sep 15, 2025 12:39 PM ET

Missouri has always been home for Sophie Cunningham , and over the weekend, that bond came full circle. The Indiana Fever guard was officially welcomed into the University of Missouri Athletics Hall of Fame, a recognition that cements her place among the school’s all-time greats.

Sophie Cunningham, now 29, headlined a group of honorees that included longtime athletics director Mike Alden, volleyball standout Alyssa Munlyn, and football’s Brock Olivo. For a player who grew up in Columbia, played her college ball in black and gold, and then took her game to the WNBA, it was the kind of homecoming that felt inevitable.

Her moment wasn’t just about personal accolades. Fever general manager Amber Cox made the trip to Columbia to share the night with her. Later, Cox posted a photo of the two together and wrote:

“Incredible night in Columbia honoring Sophie! Hall of Famer! She means so much to the Tiger program, the entire state of Missouri (and beyond). Congrats, Sophie! And s/o to the entire Mizzou athletic department – appreciate the hospitality! MIZ.”

Incredible night in Columbia honoring Sophie! Hall of Famer! She means so much to the Tiger program, the entire state of Missouri (and beyond). Congrats, Sophie! And s/o to the entire Mizzou athletic department – appreciate the hospitality! MIZ pic.twitter.com/3t6WyXOvai

— Amber Cox (@AmberLCox) September 13, 2025

Cunningham’s season with Indiana was cut short after she tore her MCL in August, but the setback didn’t keep her from celebrating this milestone. If anything, the timing showed that her legacy stretches well beyond the court.

“This is an award for all of them”: Sophie Cunningham pays tribute to supporters at Missouri Hall of Fame Induction

True to form, Sophie Cunningham used her speech to shine the light on the people around her.

Jul 27, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham (8) signs autographs before a WNBA game against the Chicago Sky at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

“I did get inducted to the Hall of Fame, but I promise you that this is an award for all of them to get me to where I’m at,” she said in a clip shared by the Fever.

From 2015 to 2019, she was the face of Missouri women’s basketball, becoming the school’s all-time leading scorer with 2,187 points and guiding the Tigers to four straight NCAA Tournament appearances. To this day, the program hasn’t reached those same heights without her.

She called herself “blessed” to have the platform she now holds, but Friday night showed that Missouri still feels just as lucky to have had her.

Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham (8) rushes up the court against Las Vegas Aces guard Aaliyah Nye (13) on Thursday, July 24, 2025, during the game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.

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

More must-reads: