Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images

Sophie Cunningham's Former Coach Has Strong Words About Fever Star Protecting Caitlin Clark

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Chris Phelps | Last updated Aug 7, 2025 11:09 PM ET

For the first time since the 2024 WNBA season, Sophie Cunningham has returned to PHX Arena to face Nate Tibbetts and her former team, the Phoenix Mercury, on Thursday night.

During her six seasons in Phoenix, Cunningham played under four different coaches, starting with Sandy Brondello, who is now leading the New York Liberty. In her final season with the Mercury, Tibbetts joined the franchise and led them to a playoff birth, falling in the first round.

Now, Cunningham has embraced a new role with the Fever, and Tibbetts has taken notice.

Nate Tibbetts Praises Sophie Cunningham's Toughness

Ahead of Thursday's battle between the Fever and Mercury, Tibbetts sat down for his pregame press conference. When discussing Cunningham's return, he mentioned that she had done a great job "sticking up" for Clark, despite the former Iowa star missing over half of Indiana's games this year.

"When you come in this league, again, (Cunningham) learning this league as a second-round pick, you've got to have some toughness and grit to you," Tibbetts said. "She's embraced that role, and that's worked for them. And so, I give Sophie credit because she competes at a high level.

Cunningham Gets Ejected for Protecting Clark

Many Fever fans may see Cunningham as the team’s new enforcer, and she has shown her toughness all season. In Indiana’s June 17 win over the Connecticut Sun, Jacy Sheldon tangled with Clark before Marina Mabrey stepped in for her teammate, shoving Clark to the floor.

Later in the game, Cunningham responded in a similar fashion, grabbing Sheldon and pulling her to the court. Both teams exchanged words and shoves before being separated. Both Cunningham and Sheldon were ejected from the game. Safe to say, Cunningham won’t let opponents push her teammates around.

Following the Mercury game, Cunningham and the Fever will return home after their four-game road trip, facing the Chicago Sky on Saturday.

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

More must-reads: