Sophie Cunningham’s post-season media availability turned into one of the most honest and insightful reflections on the Indiana Fever’s rollercoaster 2025 campaign — a season defined by Caitlin Clark’s injury, playoff heartbreak, and big questions heading into 2026.

As one of the league’s most fiery personalities, Cunningham didn’t sugarcoat anything. From the locker room’s emotional toll to her thoughts on leadership, she gave fans a front-row seat into what really went down this season — and what’s next.

The first thing on everyone’s mind was Caitlin Clark. The rookie sensation’s late-season injury completely shifted the Fever’s trajectory, and Cunningham acknowledged how devastating it was for the team emotionally and strategically. “You don’t just lose a player — you lose your heartbeat,” Sophie said. “

Caitlin changed everything for this organization. The way we practiced, the way we prepared, the attention — it all revolved around her. Losing that presence hurt, and anyone pretending otherwise is lying.” Her tone reflected a mix of respect and frustration — not at Clark herself, but at how much the team relied on her, only to have that momentum snatched away in the playoffs.

Cunningham also touched on the emotional strain that came with Clark’s injury and the public reaction to it. “Everyone had an opinion — the media, the fans, even players on other teams. But inside our locker room, we were focused on healing, supporting her, and keeping the team together,” she said.

“Caitlin’s one of the toughest competitors I’ve ever played with. She wanted to come back. She wanted to fight. But sometimes, your body just won’t let you.” Those words underscored the team’s quiet frustration with how quickly narratives spun online about Clark’s commitment or toughness — narratives that Sophie made clear were completely false.

When asked about how the Fever handled the WNBA Playoffs without Clark, Cunningham was candid. “We fought like hell,” she said. “People didn’t expect us to make it that far, especially after her injury, but we did it on heart. Aliyah [Boston] carried us, Kelsey [Mitchell] was unbelievable before her own injury, and Lexie [Hull] gave us energy every night. It wasn’t perfect, but it was real basketball.

We left everything out there.” That passion was evident during the Fever’s intense semifinal series against the Las Vegas Aces — a matchup that ended in heartbreak but proved the Fever were finally a team to be taken seriously.

Sophie also shared her thoughts on the controversies surrounding officiating and league leadership that overshadowed parts of the postseason. “You could feel it — certain games, certain calls, certain moments,” she admitted carefully. “But look, every player in this league knows that you can’t control the refs. You control your effort. You control your team. That’s all we could do.

The rest — that’s on the league to fix.” Her diplomatic answer didn’t name names, but fans reading between the lines could sense her frustration with the inconsistencies that many players — including Caitlin Clark — have been vocal about all year.

Despite the difficult ending, Cunningham expressed confidence in the Fever’s future, especially under head coach Stephanie White. “Steph is a fighter. She doesn’t back down from pressure,” Sophie said. “

She’s building something that’s going to last. We’re not just playing to make the playoffs anymore — we’re playing for banners. And that’s the mindset she’s drilled into all of us.” That belief in long-term growth has been echoed by the entire roster, who now see themselves as legitimate contenders rather than a rebuilding team.

Looking ahead to 2026, Cunningham made it clear that the Fever’s story is far from over. “Next year’s going to be special,” she said. “People forget how young we are.

Caitlin’s coming back hungry, Aliyah’s still evolving into one of the best bigs in the world, and we’ve got depth now. Once we’re healthy, the league better watch out.” She predicted a major step forward for the team — not just in wins and losses, but in maturity and chemistry.

Cunningham also addressed her own role moving forward, making it clear she plans to be part of the Fever’s core identity. “I’ve played in a lot of environments, but this one — it’s different,” she said.

“The energy in Indiana, the way fans show up, the way this city has rallied around women’s basketball — it’s something I want to be a part of. I’m not going anywhere.” Her loyalty and outspoken leadership have made her a fan favorite, and those words will only strengthen that bond heading into next season.

Still, Sophie didn’t shy away from criticizing the league’s leadership, joining other players who’ve voiced frustration with Commissioner Cathy Engelbert. “

We need transparency. We need to feel heard,” Cunningham said bluntly. “Players are the product, and the product is strong — but it can’t thrive if the people running it don’t communicate or take accountability.” That statement drew applause from fans who’ve watched stars like Napheesa Collier, Chiney Ogwumike, and others call out similar issues in recent months.

Cunningham also reflected on the media’s treatment of Caitlin Clark throughout her rookie year, offering one of the most balanced takes of the offseason. “The media made her larger than life — and she is special — but at some point, it became too much.

Every game, every quote, every interaction was dissected. And she handled it with more grace than most people realize. I’ve seen veterans crumble under half that pressure. She never did.” That comment showed a deep respect for Clark’s resilience and maturity, even amid constant scrutiny and polarization.

As the interview wrapped up, Sophie sent one last message to Fever fans: “Don’t let this loss define the season. We made history. We brought Indiana back to the playoffs. We fought through injuries, noise, and everything else thrown at us. This is just the beginning.”

Her words perfectly summed up the Fever’s identity — tough, loyal, emotional, and determined. The 2025 season may have ended with heartbreak, but for Sophie Cunningham and the Indiana Fever, it also ended with belief. Belief that the culture has changed. Belief that Caitlin Clark will return stronger than ever. And belief that the 2026 Fever might be the team to finally bring a championship back to Indiana.

As Cunningham walked away from the podium, it was clear she wasn’t just speaking for herself — she was speaking for a locker room that’s tired of being doubted and ready to turn frustration into fuel. The Fever’s journey from underdogs to contenders is far from over — in fact, if Sophie’s confidence is any indication, it might be only just beginning.