After joining the Indiana Fever in January this year, Sophie Cunningham has quickly become a locker room and fan favorite thanks to her gritty play style, infectious energy, and leadership on and off the court.
But her momentum hit a speed bump on May 10, when she suffered an ankle injury during the Fever’s preseason matchup against the Atlanta Dream. With the regular season set to tip off on May 17 against the Chicago Sky, fans have one burning question: Will Cunningham suit up for the opener?. And now there’s a major update.
HC Stephanie White Reveals Cunningham’s Current Status
Ahead of Saturday’s highly anticipated game, returning head coach Stephanie White gave a crucial update during a media session following practice. And while she didn’t give a clear “yes” or “no” to Cunningham’s availability, her words did offer hope to the Fever faithful.
“Yes, she’s going crazy. Again, she just continues to be a day-to-day. Every 24 hours, she seems to make great progress. It’s a long season, so we want to make sure we’re making the best long-term decisions when it comes to her health and wellness, and her ability to produce for our team,” said White during the interview.
In a moment that perfectly captured Cunningham’s fiery spirit, she actually interrupted her coach mid-interview — in the most Cunningham way possible. Channeling her inner rockstar, she belted out a lyric from John Fogerty’s iconic sports anthem “Centerfield”: “Put me in coach, I’m ready to play, today!”
Steph White says they’re still taking Sophie Cunningham’s recovery day by day, thinking longterm for a long season.
Sophie interrupted with a rendition of “put me in coach:” pic.twitter.com/jxd1v5SeOJ
— Chloe Peterson (@chloepeterson67) May 15, 2025
The timing, the energy — classic Cunningham. It was a light-hearted moment, but one that reminded everyone just how badly the forward wants to be back on the court. Before the injury, Cunningham had a strong showing in the preseason, averaging 10.7 points and 4.3 rebounds per game.
But the big question remains: Is Cunningham playing against the Sky?
Coach White didn’t offer a direct answer. If she’s not cleared in time, Indiana will likely lean heavily on Caitlin Clark and sharpshooter Lexie Hull to shoulder the scoring load and set the tone.
White’s Message to Another Fever Star Before the Sky Game
White, who last served as head coach of the Fever during the 2015-16 WNBA season, is set to make her regular-season coaching return on May 17. Her comeback game will be anything but easy, as the Fever takes on the Chicago Sky.
Despite the high-stakes matchup, White has expressed unwavering confidence in one of her key players
In a recent interview with ESPN’s Alexa Philippou, White shared high praise for Clark in a unique and heartfelt way.
“She’s far beyond her years in terms of her understanding of how to work. Oftentimes, you see rookies, even the great ones, where it usually takes three years for them to figure it out. She’s got it figured out,” said White.
As Clark prepares to face fellow standout Angel Reese and a tough Sky defense, her impact will be critical. Last season Clark averaged 19.2 points and 8.4 assists per game. If she brings that same energy and execution to the court, the Fever could very well kick off White’s return with a statement win.
