Sophie Cunningham addresses unfortunate personal news

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Paolo Songco | Last updated Mar 5, 2026 1:01 PM ET

Coming off an incredible WNBA season with the Indiana Fever, Sophie Cunningham talks about unfortunate news off the court.

The seven-year veteran averaged 8.6 points, 3.5 rebounds, 1.2 assists and 1 steal a game in her first season with Indiana. On top of that, she shot career highs of 46.9% from the field and 43.2% from the three.

Despite being the enforcer for Indiana, Cunningham is considered a sharpshooter, as she made 51 threes last year on a 43.2% clip. Unfortunately, her debut season with the Fever was cut short. Cunningham suffered a torn right MCL during their game against the Connecticut Sun. Guard Bria Hartley drove into the paint but fell and stumbled on Cunningham’s right leg.

The 6-foot-1 guard is expected to make a full recovery and bounce back to help Indiana next season.

Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham (8) looks on during the second half against the Dallas Wings.

Sophie Cunningham talks about the unfortunate personal news away from the WNBA

Growing up on a farm in Columbia, Missouri, Cunningham was around many animals. She grew fond of horses and frequently spent her free time with them.

Unfortunately, the Columbia, Missouri, native shared that she lost one of her oldest horses.

“Fly high to my very first horse, Bea. Best horse ever,” Cunningham said in a series of Instagram stories. “She was about to turn 36! The sweetest, most gentle horse. Sad day.”

In a recent episode of Cunningham’s Podcast, “Show Me Something,” she talked about her friend and companion.

“My very first horse, her name was Bea. She actually passed away this morning,” she said.

“She was beautiful, and I’m not kidding, she was like the best horse. All of our friends and family met her. I’ve had her since I was like born, I’m 29, and she was 36 years old.”

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A post shared by Show Me Something (@showme_pod)

To anyone who had a pet growing up, it’s definitely tough to watch them grow old and see them pass away. All one can do is honor their memory and keep going.

And, as Cunningham recovers and gets ready for the next season, she will surely carry Bea’s memory with her.

This article first appeared on ChiCitySports and was syndicated with permission.

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