Sophie Cunningham is having a big year, and Sports Illustrated just made it official. The magazine has named the WNBA star its Woman of the Year, calling her one of the most important voices in sports today. Editors said they didn’t spend much time debating it.
“Between what she does in games and how she stands up for women away from them, she was the obvious pick,” SI said.
Cunningham, who plays for the Indiana Fever, has become a fan favorite for her hustle and her no-nonsense attitude. She’s the kind of player who dives for loose balls and doesn’t mind taking a hard foul to protect a teammate. Off the court, she’s been just as fearless, standing up for keeping women’s sports for women even when it cost her popularity in some circles.
She says she’s “thrilled” with the honor. She will pick it up at an event later in the month. When asked who she’d like to present the award, Cunningham didn’t hesitate.
“Riley Gaines should be the one handing it to me,” said Sophie.
Gaines, the former college swimmer who became the face of the movement to protect women’s sports, has been one of Cunningham’s biggest supporters. The two have praised each other publicly, and fans have long seen them as allies in the same fight.
Gaines said she was touched by the comment and would gladly show up if invited. “Sophie has been fearless,” Gaines wrote online. “She deserves every bit of this.”
The pick drew loud cheers from fans, many of whom said it was about time a mainstream outlet recognized athletes who speak up for women. Some called it a sign that the culture in sports is shifting.
Not everyone agreed. Several activist groups criticized SI for choosing someone they described as divisive. A few sportswriters questioned whether the award should reward off-court views at all.
Cunningham’s teammates didn’t care about the debate. In the locker room, they reportedly decorated her stall with balloons and a homemade sign that read “Woman of the Year (Allegedly).”
“They’re never going to let me live this down,” Cunningham said with a laugh. She said the award means a lot because of what it represents. She hopes young girls watching will feel like they can speak up, too. “You don’t have to be the loudest person in the room,” she said. “You just have to be willing to say what’s right.”
Her family will be there for the ceremony, and she’s already working on a short speech. If the magazine takes her advice, Riley Gaines will be standing next to her.
Congrats girl.
