Sophie Cunningham Gets Special Message From Alma Mater’s Coach After Personal News

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Cole Sullivan | Last updated Sep 13, 2025 2:21 PM ET

Friday night was a very special day for Indiana Fever star Sophie Cunningham, who was officially inducted into the Missouri Hall of Fame in recognition of her stellar career with the women’s basketball team.

Cunningham became the program’s all-time leading scorer, earned All-American honors, and averaged 17.4 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 3.0 assists during her collegiate career.

“Being back home in my hometown made it even more special. My whole family and all my friends were here. I did get inducted into the Hall of Fame, but I promise you, this award is for all of them who helped get me to where I am today,” Cunningham said.

"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."

Sophie Cunningham on what it means to be inducted to the @Mizzou Hall of Fame pic.twitter.com/km4QxGOdDq
— Indiana Fever (@IndianaFever) September 13, 2025

Following the announcement, Cunningham received a message from current Missouri women’s basketball head coach Kellie Harper. Although Harper didn’t coach Cunningham during her time with the Tigers, the two have known each other since Cunningham’s early days in AAU basketball.

“What an honor! I’ve watched Sophie play (and get buckets) since her early AAU days, and now she’s a Hall of Famer,” Harper wrote. “She laid the foundation here at Mizzou, and we’re excited to continue her legacy.”

What an honor!!! Have watched Sophie play (and get buckets) since she was in early AAU days to now a Hall of Famer.

She laid the foundation here at Mizzou and we are excited to continue her legacy. pic.twitter.com/JOA9jnVftc
— Kellie Harper (@KellieHarper) September 13, 2025

Sophie Cunningham is in her first year with the Indiana Fever after spending her first six seasons in the WNBA with the Phoenix Mercury. She quickly became a fan favorite and one of the team’s most pivotal players before suffering a season-ending injury last month against the Connecticut Sun, when she tore her MCL.

Cunningham finished the season averaging 8.6 points, 3.5 rebounds, 1.2 assists, and 1.0 steal per game, but she contributed in every role asked of her. She spent time in the starting lineup, came off the bench, handled the ball as a primary playmaker, played off the ball, and even served as a defensive catalyst.

Unfortunately, Cunningham is one of five Fever players who will miss the playoffs, which begin on Sunday with Indiana facing the Atlanta Dream in Game 1 of the first-round series.

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

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