Sophie Cunningham’s fiery 2024 season — defined by clutch threes, fearless hustle, and her outspoken defense of Caitlin Clark against league controversies — turned her into both a polarizing figure and a fan favorite, leaving the WNBA buzzing with admiration, debate, and anticipation for what she’ll do next.

In a season defined by both controversy and electrifying performances, Sophie Cunningham has once again proven why she is one of the most compelling personalities in the WNBA.

Known for her grit, hustle, and unapologetic presence both on and off the court, Cunningham has captivated fans and stirred conversations that reach far beyond the game itself.

The Phoenix Mercury guard-forward, now a veteran presence on the roster, has become a lightning rod for both praise and criticism.

Throughout the 2024 season, she made headlines not just for her clutch three-point shooting and relentless defensive energy, but also for her outspoken nature when it came to league policies, officiating decisions, and the treatment of emerging stars like Caitlin Clark.

The moment that truly defined Cunningham’s season came in June, during a heated press conference after a controversial Mercury loss.

When asked about Clark, the sensational rookie whose rise has brought unprecedented attention to women’s basketball, Cunningham didn’t hesitate to call out what she saw as unfair targeting.

“If we’re going to grow this game, then let’s actually protect the players who are bringing in the fans,” she said, her tone sharp but controlled.

“Caitlin deserves respect, and honestly, so does every player in this league.” The clip quickly went viral, sparking debates on social media and earning her both applause and criticism from different corners of the basketball world.

But Cunningham has never been one to shy away from the spotlight or from conflict.

Since being drafted out of Missouri in 2019, she has cultivated a reputation as the WNBA’s “villain you can’t help but root for,” a player who thrives on intensity and isn’t afraid to get under an opponent’s skin.

This season, however, she has shown that her influence goes beyond trash talk and on-court theatrics.

Fans point to her leadership in the locker room and her ability to galvanize her teammates during one of the Mercury’s most challenging years, marked by injuries and inconsistency.

On the court, her contributions were undeniable.

Cunningham’s ability to space the floor with deep three-point shots provided critical scoring runs for Phoenix, while her scrappy defense and willingness to dive for loose balls became a symbol of the Mercury’s resilience.

Highlights include a career-high 27-point performance in July, when she hit six three-pointers and waved off doubters with her trademark swagger.

“I play with passion because that’s who I am,” she told reporters that night.

“Love me or hate me, you’re going to feel me when I’m out there.”

Her presence on social media has further amplified her influence, with posts that mix humor, defiance, and heartfelt reflections.

One Instagram post, following a narrow Mercury win in August, captured her essence perfectly: a photo of her pumping her fist at the crowd with the caption, “They’ll never break me. Next season, watch me rise even higher.”

Fans flooded the comments with support, cementing her status as one of the league’s most beloved personalities.

Beyond basketball, Cunningham has been outspoken about issues facing women in sports, from pay equity to media coverage.

While some critics accuse her of being “too much” or “too confrontational,” her supporters argue that her voice is exactly what the WNBA needs in this era of growth.

As one fan tweeted after her viral comments defending Caitlin Clark, “Sophie Cunningham doesn’t just play the game, she protects the game. ”

Looking ahead, there is no doubt that expectations for Cunningham’s next season are sky-high.

With the Mercury looking to regroup and make a stronger playoff push, her leadership and edge will be more valuable than ever.

And if history is any guide, she won’t back down from the spotlight — in fact, she’ll thrive in it.

For now, fans are left reflecting on a season filled with iconic moments: the clutch shots, the heated exchanges, the press conference mic drops, and the unwavering passion.

Sophie Cunningham may not be the league’s biggest star, but she is undoubtedly one of its most unforgettable.

As one Mercury fan put it best after the season finale: “Sophie gave us everything this year — the fight, the fire, and the truth. Next season can’t come soon enough.”