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Sophie Cunningham Embraces New Role for Indiana Fever Alongside Caitlin Clark

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Paolo Songco | Last updated Sep 21, 2025 9:15 PM ET

Sophie Cunningham was a first-hand witness to one of the Indiana Fever’s biggest wins of the season thus far. This came in the form of their unexpected Game 1 victory over the Las Vegas at Michelob ULTRA Arena on Sunday, 89-73.

Cunningham, who has been sidelined with a season-ending knee injury, did more than just cheer for her teammates in Sunday’s victory against Las Vegas. The 29-year-old has been a vocal leader for the Fever all season long, and her injury has not stopped her from fulfilling this role, albeit from the bench.

Alongside Caitlin Clark, who’s also done for the year with a groin issue, Cunningham was seen barking instructions to her teammates from the Fever bench for pretty much the entire game. The 6-foot-1 guard embraced her new role for Indiana by sharing a video from Sunday’s impressive victory.

Cunningham shared a video on Instagram that showed her and Clark providing instructions from the bench. The video had a one-word caption, “COACH,” which perfectly described Cunningham and Clark’s behavior in the clip.

Sophie Cunningham and Caitlin Clark coaching their teammates in Game 1 against the Aces

(via @sophie_cham on IG) pic.twitter.com/jZFw8BrjZa
— Paolo Songco (@PaoloSongcoNBA) September 22, 2025

Neither Cunningham nor Clark have been officially named as part of the Fever’s coaching staff, but it is clear that both are happy to play the part.

Kelsey Mitchell did not need much instruction in this one, though, with the three-time All-Star turning in a show-stopping performance. Mitchell led the Fever to victory with a game-high 34 points.

Cunningham and Clark will continue to help coach their teammates from the bench in Game 2 on Tuesday, but it’s Mitchell who’s going to need to step up once again as the Fever look to secure a 2-0 lead against the mighty Aces.

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

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