The Indiana Fever’s 2025 season may have ended just shy of the WNBA Finals, but there’s no denying the remarkable turnaround this team has experienced in the past year. From rebuilding to nearly toppling the defending champions, the Fever proved they belong among the league’s elite. And according to veteran Sophie Cunningham, much of that shift can be traced to one name — Caitlin Clark.
Cunningham, who joined the Fever as a seasoned leader on a $100K contract, has seen firsthand how Clark’s presence has completely reshaped the team’s identity. “She’s more than a scorer,” Cunningham has often said. “Caitlin’s confidence, her work ethic, and her belief in everyone around her — that’s contagious.” Even while battling through injuries late in the season, Clark’s influence extended beyond the box score. Her ability to command attention, both from defenses and from fans, changed how the Fever approached every game.
Under the steady guidance of head coach Stephanie White and GM Amber Cox, Clark’s leadership helped foster one of the most cohesive locker rooms in the league. Cunningham described it as a “perfect balance” — a young star learning to lead, a veteran core holding the team accountable, and a coaching staff committed to unlocking everyone’s potential. “We’ve got the right pieces,” Cunningham said. “It’s just about staying healthy and continuing to grow together.”
Even in the face of adversity — from losing key players like Sophie Cunningham herself to a knee injury, to watching Clark battle through physical defenses night after night — the Fever never lost their identity. Cunningham credits Clark for that resilience. “When your best player never quits, nobody else can,” she said. “That’s what makes Caitlin special. She sets the tone in every way.”
As the Fever look ahead to 2026, optimism is sky-high in Indianapolis. With Clark expected to return fully healthy and a hungry roster ready to build on this year’s success, the Fever’s window to contend is wide open. And if Sophie Cunningham’s words are any indication, this isn’t just Caitlin Clark’s team — it’s a collective built on belief, leadership, and a shared determination to bring a championship back to Indiana.
