Indiana Fever star guard Sophie Cunningham has become one of the most recognizable figures in the WNBA, and has been in the spotlight as a fan-favorite since stepping into the role as “Caitlin Clark’s enforcer.”
Cunningham has been involved in several standout moments throughout the season, including the viral fingerpoint that took on a life of its own.
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This week, Cunningham was interviewed by ESPN amid her popularity boom, and discussed a handful of topics. Surprisingly, she took on the controversial and sometimes uncomfortable discussion about transgender athletes in women’s sports.
Many WNBA fans on social media have criticized Cunningham without knowing her views on topics, which she holds close to the chest, but she opened up about her honest opinion about the taboo topic.
MORE: Sophie Cunningham takes subtle jab at WNBA for 3-point contest snub in now-deleted post
Sophie Cunningham Shares Stance On Transgender Athletes In Women’s Sports
“I got a lot of negative feedback about me hating trans. And I’m like, ‘I never once said that,’” Cunningham told the Worldwide Leader. “I think that I am here to extend love. “But I also think with that love is truth, being honest.
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“And I want to protect young girls in a locker room, or young girls in sport who shouldn’t have to go against biological men.”
MORE: Sophie Cunningham fingerpoint won’t be monetized by WNBA players association
She also discussed her political views, revealing that she is more of a moderate than the “MAGA Barbie” moniker she’s been labeled with by her critics on social media.
“I’m very much in the middle. I agree with things on both sides, disagree with things on both sides. And that’s all I’ve ever said about my political beliefs. But people love to assume,” she noted.
The 29-year-old Cunningham hosted a basketball camp for young girls in grades 1 through 8. The camp was held in Indiana, and included hands-on instructions and basketball drills for the participants, while getting to rub shoulders with Cunningham on the court.
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Cunningham and the Fever will return to action on Wednesday, July 22, against the Connecticut Sun at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. It is Indiana’s final game before the WNBA All-Star Break.
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