Stephanie White Issues Sophie Cunningham Injury Update Before Fever-Sky

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Chris Phelps | Last updated May 16, 2025 3:14 PM ET

After two seasons with the Connecticut Sun, Stephanie White has returned for her second stint as the head coach of the Indiana Fever.

White led the Fever to the best preseason record in the WNBA, recording a perfect 3-0. Fellow Indiana newcomer Sophie Cunningham was a nice surprise in the preseason, averaging 10.7 points on 51.5% shooting and 4.3 rebounds per game.

But in the second half of the preseason finale against the Atlanta Dream, an 81-76 Fever win, Cunningham suffered an ankle injury, leaving her out for the remainder of the game.

Following the win, Cunningham was seen in a walking boot, giving cause for concern. She hasn't been able to participate in practice leading up to the season opener.

On Friday, just one day before the Fever face Angel Reese and the Chicago Sky, White spoke to reporters during the team's media availability. When asked about Cunningham's injury leading up to the season opener, White shared her response.

"I think that she's made great progress," White said. "I think the biggest thing is perspective, right? We don't want to do anything that will set her back, that will hinder her progress. I think you have, what, six games in the first 14 days. So, we'll be cautious. The last 48 hours have been really good, so the training staff will look at her in the morning and we will make a decision from there."

Steph White on Sophie’s status for Saturday: https://t.co/V19AbhITMt pic.twitter.com/dvm2w8UeST
— Chloe Peterson (@chloepeterson67) May 16, 2025

Although Cunningham hasn't been able to practice with the team, she was able to partake in a friendly half-court shot challenge on Friday. After the former Mercury guard defeated Caitlin Clark in the contest, White also joked that Cunningham is "fraudulent."

The Fever will take on the Sky at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Saturday at 3:00 p.m. ET. Then, they will have a couple of days off before back-to-back games against the Dream, starting Tuesday.

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

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