For Indiana Fever fans, Sophie Cunningham’s energy and toughness have always been her trademarks — but this offseason, the veteran forward is channeling that same grit into a much tougher battle: her recovery from a season-ending MCL injury. After a long year that ended far earlier than she’d hoped, Cunningham gave fans a candid look behind the curtain, opening up about the emotional rollercoaster of her rehab journey — and her frustration reached a boiling point.
In a series of Instagram Stories, Cunningham admitted that her most recent rehab session was “one of those days” that nearly broke her patience. “I just got done with knee rehab,” she shared with a mix of humor and honesty. “And it was one of those days that I could’ve just kicked everyone in the face. I don’t know why it was so hard today.” She went on to describe the pain of BFR (blood flow restriction) training, saying it’s usually manageable — but this time, it pushed her limits. “You do 30 reps, then three more sets of 15. Today, I struggled on every single one,” she said. “I need a 10-hour nap and a pool day, but I can’t — I’ve got a busy day ahead.”
Despite the exhaustion, Cunningham’s resilience continues to shine through. Later that same day, she revealed a major breakthrough — picking up a basketball again for the first time since her injury. “I did shoot today for the first time,” she proudly told fans, marking a significant milestone in her recovery. For a player whose competitive fire has always been a defining trait, the moment symbolized hope that her comeback is well underway.
Cunningham, currently an unrestricted free agent for the first time in her WNBA career, has expressed her desire to stay with the Indiana Fever, though she’s open to exploring new opportunities. Her leadership and energy were crucial for Indiana during the 2025 season, especially after the team suffered injuries to key players like Caitlin Clark. Before joining the Fever, Cunningham spent six seasons with the Phoenix Mercury, where she became a fan favorite for her hustle and confidence.
A former Missouri Tigers standout and three-time First-Team All-SEC selection, Cunningham’s path to professional success has been built on toughness — and her rehab journey is no different. As she fights her way back to full strength, fans can expect the same fire that made her one of the most passionate competitors in the league. If there’s one thing Sophie Cunningham has proven time and again, it’s that no amount of pain — or rehab frustration — can keep her down for long.
