Sophie Cunningham and Cheryl Reeve may stand on opposite sides of one of the most divisive issues in sports, but after a face-to-face conversation before Sunday's game, the Indiana Fever guard says there's now a mutual understanding—and plenty of respect.
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Cunningham opened up about the pregame exchange she had with the Minnesota Lynx head coach, calling it a meaningful step forward in a debate that has often been anything but civil.
“I respect her for coming up in person,” Cunningham said. “I think a lot of people hide behind screens and love that type of thing. She had stories about her point of view, and I had stories about my point of view, and we left with love and respect, and I think that’s what it’s all about.”
The conversation came after a weekend of heightened tension, with protests and counter-protests outside the arena, and with Reeve making headlines for wearing a shirt with a message aimed at Cunningham's stance. But Cunningham says the personal chat was a welcome change from the noise.
Reeve also came away from the conversation with a positive outlook, telling the media she was glad they could talk in person about such a layered topic.
“Both of us understand that we have platforms and we both talked about wanting to, more than anything, educate,” Reeve said. “There are some things that we have in common, and maybe some things you differ on, just like any issues. I think it’s how you handle things. It was nice to be in person, for sure.”
Cunningham's support of barring transgender women and girls from female sports has drawn intense reactions from both sides. She’s been booed by fans, praised by some pundits, and criticized by others. But she insists the controversy won't become a distraction for her or her teammates as the Fever push toward the postseason.
The Fever, who are coming off a championship season, are already dealing with plenty of attention. They were recently snubbed in the Coaches Poll, landing at No. 6 despite their title. Cunningham says the team is focused on the court, not the chatter.
Still, the conversation between Cunningham and Reeve stands out as a rare moment of civility in a debate that has often been marked by hostility. Even as rallies outside the arena turned chaotic, the two women found common ground in a private moment.
Reeve, who has been an outspoken advocate for inclusion, has faced her own share of backlash. But both coaches and players seem to agree that dialogue is better than silence.
“We left with love and respect,” Cunningham reiterated. “And I think that’s what it’s all about.”
