Sophie Cunningham Inducted Into Missouri Hall of Fame as Injury Ends Fever Playoff Hopes

Sophie Cunningham has closed her first year with the Indiana Fever on a bittersweet note. The WNBA guard is sidelined with a season-ending injury just as the Fever prepare for the playoffs. Yet, she earned a career milestone as she was inducted into the University of Missouri Intercollegiate Athletics Hall of Fame.

The Fever will face the Atlanta Dream in the opening round of the postseason. They will compete without Cunningham and several teammates, including Caitlin Clark, Aari McDonald, Sydney Colson, and Chloe Bibby, all ruled out due to injuries.

Sophie Cunningham Career Highlights With Missouri and Fever

Cunningham is a native of Columbia, Missouri. She played college basketball for the Missouri Tigers from 2015 to 2019. She was a four-time All-SEC player, making the second team in her freshman year and the first team in the next three.

Her success at Missouri secured her place in the program’s Hall of Fame, a recognition she called a “team award.” She credited teammates and coaches for shaping her path.

After college, Cunningham was drafted in the second round of the WNBA Draft by the Phoenix Mercury. In 2025, she joined the Indiana Fever, where she averaged 8.6 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game in her debut season.

According to AP, Cunningham’s style of play and leadership made her a valuable addition to the roster before her injury.

What Her Absence Means for the Indiana Fever

The Fever enter the playoffs short-handed. Cunningham’s injury leaves a gap in their rotation. Her scoring and defensive effort will be missed as they prepare to meet Brittney Griner and the Atlanta Dream.

Game 1 is scheduled for Sunday at 3 p.m. in Atlanta. The matchup will be broadcast on ABC. The absence of Cunningham and other key players raises questions about the Fever’s depth in a high-pressure series.

Still, Cunningham’s induction provides a positive moment in an otherwise difficult end to her season. It highlights her lasting impact on the game and her continuing influence beyond the court.

Sophie Cunningham has shown resilience throughout her career. Her Hall of Fame honor proves her legacy, even as the Fever move forward without her in the playoffs.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Who is Sophie Cunningham?

Sophie Cunningham is a professional basketball player for the Indiana Fever. She previously played college basketball for the Missouri Tigers from 2015 to 2019.

Q2: Why is Sophie Cunningham not playing in the WNBA playoffs?

Cunningham suffered a season-ending injury in the second half of the year. She will miss the playoffs along with other injured teammates.

Q3: What award did Sophie Cunningham recently receive?

She was inducted into the University of Missouri Intercollegiate Athletics Hall of Fame. The ceremony took place on Friday in Columbia, Missouri.

Q4: What were her stats in her first season with the Fever?

Cunningham averaged 8.6 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game in 2025. She quickly became an important role player before her injury.

Q5: Who will the Indiana Fever play in the first round?

The Fever will face the Atlanta Dream, led by Brittney Griner. Game 1 tips off on Sunday at 3 p.m. on ABC.