Sophie Cunningham Admits She’s “Feisty, Sassy” as She Embraces Spotlight for Boldly Defending Caitlin Clark in Heated Moments

Sophie Cunningham is no stranger to headlines, but in recent weeks, her name has become nearly synonymous with fierce loyalty and raw emotion on the basketball court. The Phoenix Mercury guard, already known around the WNBA for her grit, high energy, and no-nonsense playing style, has embraced a new title—unofficial enforcer and protector of rookie sensation Caitlin Clark.

While Cunningham has never shied away from physicality or confrontation, it was her recent on-court defense of Clark that thrust her into an even brighter spotlight. From heated exchanges to hard fouls and unapologetic post-game comments, fans and critics alike have been captivated by Cunningham’s fire. And she’s not running from the image.

“I’m feisty, I’m sassy, and I own it,” Cunningham recently said in an interview, flashing the same confident smile that has both charmed and rattled WNBA fans. “I play with emotion. I’m passionate. I’ll fight for my teammates. That’s how I’ve always been. That’s not going to change just because the cameras are zoomed in a little tighter now.”

That intensity reached new levels when Caitlin Clark, the record-shattering rookie from Iowa, faced repeated rough treatment during games. Whether it was jawing from opponents, overly physical play, or dismissive gestures, Clark seemed to attract tension from veterans and rivals alike. And as tensions escalated, so did Cunningham’s protective instincts.

Cunningham, who has battled through injuries and constantly proven her worth in the league, immediately took notice of the imbalance in how Clark was being treated—and made it her mission to respond with attitude and action.

“It’s not about babying Caitlin,” Cunningham said. “She can handle herself. She’s tough as nails. But what people don’t see sometimes is how much pressure is on her shoulders. She’s not just playing basketball—she’s carrying expectations, media hype, and honestly, the burden of changing how people view women’s basketball.”

Indeed, Clark’s presence has created a cultural shift in the WNBA. From skyrocketing attendance and television ratings to nonstop media buzz, her impact is undeniable. But that level of attention also draws scrutiny and, in some cases, resentment.

“Caitlin gets targeted because she’s popular, because she’s white, because she’s a rookie, because she talks trash, because she doesn’t,” Cunningham said, listing off criticisms she’s heard. “No matter what she does, someone has something to say. So if I’ve got to use my voice—or my elbows—to keep things fair, I will.”

The response to Cunningham’s firebrand style has been polarizing. Fans of Clark and the Mercury hail her as a real one, a “ride-or-die” who backs her teammates no matter the cost. Others have criticized her for escalating situations or leaning into a role that borders on aggressive.

“I hear it all,” Cunningham admitted. “People say I’m too emotional, I’m over the top, I’m looking for a fight. But you know what? This is professional basketball. It’s not a tea party. I’d rather be the one who’s remembered for caring too much than for being silent while my teammate got walked all over.”

Those words might just encapsulate the spirit of Sophie Cunningham—a player shaped by competition, defined by toughness, and unapologetically vocal in a league where silence has often been the default.

Long before this moment, Cunningham’s edge was already well-documented. In college, she was a star at the University of Missouri, where her tenacity and ability to get under opponents’ skin became part of her lore. She was booed in opposing arenas, cheered wildly by her own, and built a reputation as someone who never backed down from a challenge.

That carried into the WNBA, where Cunningham quickly became a scrappy, do-it-all guard for the Phoenix Mercury. She’s the kind of player who does the dirty work, takes charges, claps in opponents’ faces, and walks away with a wink. She plays with a chip on her shoulder—sometimes for motivation, sometimes for survival.

“You can’t last in this league without an edge,” she said. “There are too many great players. If you don’t bring something different, you won’t last. My something different is that fire. That willingness to go all in, every night.”

That willingness was on full display when the Mercury faced off against Clark and the Indiana Fever. After a particularly rough sequence that saw Clark take a hard foul, tempers flared. Cunningham was right in the thick of it, barking back at opposing players and motioning for the officials to take action. She later told reporters she wasn’t going to stand by while her teammate got “mauled.”

The moment went viral, with video clips racking up millions of views and spawning heated debates online. Some praised her for showing heart; others accused her of grandstanding.

For Cunningham, the attention was surprising but not unwelcome.

“Look, I didn’t go into that game thinking, ‘I’m going to defend Caitlin and get all this attention,’” she said. “That’s just how I’m built. But I also think it’s good that we’re talking about passion in women’s basketball. That’s what we want, right? People to care? Well, I care. A lot.”

Her support hasn’t gone unnoticed by Clark, either. Though the two aren’t best friends off the court, they’ve developed a mutual respect, particularly as teammates in exhibition games and national team camps.

“I respect Sophie,” Clark said recently. “She brings intensity and energy every single time she steps on the floor. And she’s got your back. That means something.”

It means even more in a league still battling for equal footing in media coverage, endorsement deals, and mainstream respect. Cunningham understands that every storyline—positive or controversial—helps elevate the game.

“If it takes a few sparks to light a fire around the league, so be it,” she said. “People are watching. That’s what we want. And if it means I take a little heat in the process, that’s a trade I’ll make every day.”

As the Mercury navigate a season filled with highs, lows, and spotlight moments, Cunningham remains one of the team’s most consistent emotional anchors. She’s a teammate players want in their corner—and perhaps the kind of outspoken voice women’s basketball has long needed.

“Being feisty doesn’t mean being reckless,” she said. “It means being fearless. Being sassy doesn’t mean being rude. It means having confidence. I want young girls watching this league to know they can be passionate, loud, strong—and still be respected.”

With that, Cunningham flashes another grin—the one that has become as familiar as her fire.

“I’ll take the hits. I’ll play the villain if that’s what it takes. But just know this: I’m doing it for the right reasons. I’m doing it because I care.”

And with that kind of conviction, Sophie Cunningham isn’t just protecting a rookie phenom—she’s helping redefine what it means to lead in the WNBA.