In her first interview as a member of the Indiana Fever, Sophie Cunningham wasted no time making her intentions clear. She didn’t come to Indiana for the spotlight, the attention, or the media frenzy—she came to win. Her confidence, combined with the Fever’s remarkable offseason acquisitions, completely dismantles the tired narrative that “nobody wants to play with Caitlin Clark.” In fact, Cunningham’s words, along with the Fever’s growing superteam, prove quite the opposite.
Sophie’s Arrival: A Game-Changer for Indiana
Cunningham’s arrival in Indiana was met with overwhelming excitement from fans. The moment her trade was announced, Fever fans rushed to get their hands on her jersey. Within hours, her jersey was completely sold out worldwide—a testament to how much she’s already embraced by the fanbase.
During her interview, Cunningham directly addressed the team’s goals and her role in helping Indiana achieve them:
“I didn’t come here for the spotlight, I didn’t come here to have more eyes on me—I came here to win. And I really do think that with the group that we have, we are going to win a championship sooner than later.”
For Fever fans, those words were music to their ears. For Caitlin Clark’s critics—especially those who doubted her ability to attract elite talent—they were a reality check.
Sheryl Swoopes’ Narrative Just Fell Apart
Not too long ago, WNBA legend Cheryl Swoopes boldly claimed that nobody wanted to play with Caitlin Clark. She insisted that free agents would actively avoid the Indiana Fever and that Clark’s presence wouldn’t be enough to attract top talent.
But Swoopes’ words are now echoing in an empty room, drowned out by the Fever’s incredible offseason moves.
While Swoopes was busy making these claims, the Fever’s front office was quietly building one of the most stacked rosters in recent memory. They didn’t just add a single veteran—they acquired multiple championship-caliber players, all eager to play alongside Caitlin Clark.
Here’s a look at who the Fever brought in:
Natasha Howard – A multi-time WNBA champion and elite defender.
DeWanna Bonner – A seasoned veteran known for her scoring ability and leadership.
Sydney Colson – A high-IQ point guard who brings championship experience.
Brianna Turner – A defensive powerhouse who adds depth to the frontcourt.
Sophie Cunningham – A tenacious, fiery competitor who isn’t afraid to mix it up.
All of these moves point to one clear fact: Indiana Fever isn’t just a team people want to play for—it’s quickly becoming a destination franchise.
Sophie Cunningham’s Championship Mindset
Cunningham’s enthusiasm during her interview wasn’t just about herself—it was about what the Fever are building. She recognized the immense talent on the roster and saw an opportunity to be a part of something special.
“I just kind of heard what they were doing, and of course, you have Caitlin, who’s drawn eyes from all around the world. Why not be a part of something great?”
She’s not just excited about Clark, but also about her other teammates, especially the Fever’s young core:
“You see Caitlin, you see Aaliyah Boston—she’s a great passer. Kelsey Mitchell is a great passer. If you move and make the right cut, you’re going to get the ball.”
Cunningham’s remarks are a stark contrast to the false narrative that Clark is a “bad teammate” or that she “doesn’t make players better.” Quite the opposite—players want to play with Clark because they recognize her passing ability, her high basketball IQ, and her leadership on the court.
Indiana Fever’s Transformation into a Powerhouse
A year ago, the Fever were a young, developing team with potential but lacked the experience and firepower to be true contenders. Fast forward to now, and Indiana is shaping up to be one of the most dangerous teams in the WNBA.
Last season, teams tried to bully Clark, throwing physical defenses at her with little to no response from her teammates. But with Cunningham’s arrival, that’s about to change. Cunningham has built a reputation as a gritty, tough enforcer—a player who won’t hesitate to stand up for her teammates.
“I stick up for my teammates, I stick up for myself. I’m a fierce competitor, and I hate to lose.”
For Clark, who spent her rookie season absorbing hard fouls and unnecessary roughness, having Cunningham by her side will be a game-changer.
Cunningham’s Versatility and Shooting Ability
While Cunningham’s toughness and leadership are invaluable, her basketball skills should not be overlooked. Last season, she shot nearly 40% from three-point range, making her an elite floor-spacer.
Cunningham changes that dynamic completely. Now, when Clark is double-teamed, she has another reliable shooter to kick the ball out to.
Cunningham sees the Fever’s offensive potential and is already eager to take advantage:
“I can shoot the ball. And when you have playmakers like Caitlin, like Kelsey Mitchell, it lets them do their thing, and then the defense draws in, and you’re just ready to shoot.”
Indiana Fever: A Legitimate Championship Contender
What’s most exciting for Fever fans isn’t just the talent on the roster—it’s the mentality of the players coming in. Cunningham, Howard, and Bonner aren’t just here to fill roster spots. They are seasoned professionals with deep playoff experience. They know what it takes to win.
“I played in motion offenses my whole life. It’s a running, gunning style, and I thrive in that. If you move, you’ll get the ball. That’s going to make us really dangerous.”
It’s clear that Indiana Fever isn’t just thinking about making the playoffs—they’re thinking about winning a championship.
Cunningham’s confidence reflects a shift in expectations for the Fever. This isn’t just a young team hoping to compete anymore. This is a squad with real depth, elite shooting, and veteran leadership.
The Final Blow to the Anti-Caitlin Clark Narrative
The idea that nobody wants to play with Clark has now been completely destroyed. Cunningham, along with several high-profile free agents, actively chose Indiana.
If anything, Clark’s presence attracted these players to Indiana. They see what’s being built. They see Clark’s impact. And they want to be a part of it.
Cunningham’s final words sum it up perfectly:
“I didn’t come here for the spotlight. I came here to win.”
That’s exactly what the Fever are setting themselves up to do. And with this new roster, a championship in Indiana isn’t just a dream—it’s a very real possibility.
Conclusion: The Fever Are Here to Stay
Cunningham’s arrival marks the final nail in the coffin of the “Nobody wants to play with Caitlin Clark” narrative. The Fever have assembled a stacked roster, and they have real championship aspirations.
For fans, the message is clear: Indiana is building something special. And for Clark’s critics, the message is even clearer: It’s time to move on—because the Fever are here to win.
