Guard for the Indiana Fever, Sophie Cunningham, firmly stands her ground.
In an ESPN profile, the 29-year-old athlete expressed her desire to “protect young girls in a locker room, or young girls in sport who shouldn’t have to face biological men,” which led to a predictable backlash from the radical left with allegations of “hate” and “transphobia.”
Before the game against the Connecticut Sun on Wednesday, Cunningham reiterated her stance to reporters, emphasizing that she doesn’t plan to retract her statements.
“I said what I said. I think it’s kind of common sense,” she asserted. “Protecting children, especially young girls, is crucial. I stand by my words and will always uphold those beliefs.”
She further stated: “I’m not heavily involved in politics, but I have beliefs and morals that I stand by.”
Cunningham highlighted Title IX as the foundation for women’s sports, arguing that without biologically based categories, women’s athletics loses its purpose.
In her initial ESPN interview that sparked outrage, Cunningham dismissed claims that she “hates” transgender individuals.
“I received a lot of negative feedback accusing me of hating trans people. I never said that,” she explained. “I aim to spread love, but honesty and truth go hand in hand with that love. I want to protect young girls in sports who shouldn’t compete against biological men.”
WATCH:
Sophie Cunningham responds to criticism over her recent comments to ESPN about wanting to protect women’s sports from “biological men.”
“I said what I said. I think it’s kind of common sense.
When it comes just to protecting young girls in sport and women in sport, I feel very… pic.twitter.com/2uh0MWj8zM
— Genevieve Gluck (@WomenReadWomen) July 23, 2026
The radical left’s intense reaction only served to reinforce her argument. Instead of addressing the clear biological advantages males have in sports, such as strength and speed, activists and their media partners were quick to label her a “bigot.”
This is the same group that for years supported Lia Thomas as a fair competitor and advised female athletes to “be kind.”
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt also defended Cunningham in a press briefing on Thursday.
“Men should not be participating in women’s sports. It’s absurd that anyone would support this,” Leavitt remarked. “Sophie Cunningham, a highly accomplished female athlete, is speaking the truth. The backlash from Democrats and leftist figures nationwide is astonishing. They are evidently out of touch with the American public, as this is an 80/20 issue. It’s common sense.”
Cunningham gained popularity among WNBA fans after she defended teammate Caitlin Clark during a tough game against the Connecticut Sun in June 2025. After Clark was injured, Cunningham retaliated by grabbing Jacy Sheldon during a hard foul.
As reported by , Cunningham quickly earned a reputation as Clark’s “enforcer.”
Now, she is showing the same bravery off the court.
However, Cunningham’s appeal reaches beyond basketball and politics.
She is also a talented singer.
Via Sherri Unfiltered.
I knew Sophie Cunningham could play basketball …
I had NO idea she could sing like this!
What an incredible voice and such a beautiful surprise.
❤️🎶 pic.twitter.com/xvqzWt2WhW— Sherri Unfiltered™ (@FFT1776) July 22, 2026
The Special Olympics kids adore her.
Via WISH-TV.
CHECK THIS OUT: Five players from the Hendricks County Special Olympics Basketball program were super excited to meet Sophie Cunningham at today’s Indiana Fever practice.
“I like when you do this 🫵!”
All five players signed one-day contracts with the team. pic.twitter.com/omwtzInodb
— WISH-TV News (@WISHNews8) July 20, 2026
UFC fans admire her.
Same energy 👇@BlessedMMA | @sophaller pic.twitter.com/xkHBAPQjSv
— UFC (@ufc) July 12, 2026
Young girls look up to her.
This is what it’s about.
If the league was smart, they’d lean in to Sophie. Fans love her & young athletes look up to her! https://t.co/dAYQiRhV9A
— Riley Gaines (@Riley_Gaines_) July 20, 2026
She is a favorite among late-night audiences.
We’ve found the next official WNBA logo and its Sophie Cunningham.@sophaller pic.twitter.com/ud9ocKJPDh
— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) July 8, 2026
Stephen A. Smith voices his support.
Sophie Cunningham Said What Others Are AFRAID to Say!
My Full Take in the Comments. pic.twitter.com/dsiXtxNwyE
— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) July 23, 2026
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