In a league where pregame rituals often go unnoticed, Sophie Cunningham made sure her presence was felt during the national anthem on Sunday. As the Indiana Fever prepared to face the Atlanta Dream, the 30-year-old guard stood with her hand firmly over her heart — a gesture that seemed to echo louder than the arena music.
Cameras caught Cunningham as the only Fever player visibly honoring the anthem in that traditional pose. Meanwhile, the Dream were nowhere to be seen, having not yet taken the court. The contrast didn't escape the watchful eyes of WNBA fans, who quickly took to social media to dissect the moment.
“Sophie Cunningham stood with her hand over her heart during the National Anthem before the Indiana Fever’s game against the Atlanta Dream. Caitlin Clark was also on the court, while the Atlanta Dream were not present for the anthem. The different pregame actions have drawn attention and sparked debate among WNBA fans,” one fan posted on X.
Another echoed the sentiment: “Sophie Cunningham was the ONLY one from her whole team who stood with her hand over her heart during the National Anthem. The Atlanta Dreams didn’t even bother coming onto the court.”
While there's no rule mandating the hand-over-heart posture, Cunningham's choice has become a talking point. It's the latest in a string of viral moments for the Fever guard, who has recently been in the spotlight for her outspoken views on transgender athletes. In an ESPN interview, Cunningham emphasized her desire to “protect young girls in the locker room” and argued that “they shouldn’t have to go against biological men.”
She doubled down when speaking to reporters, saying, “I said what I said. I think it’s kind of common sense. And I think I’ll always believe in that. I think it’s really important to protect children, and that’s little girls who are also involved in that category. I stand on what I said.”
This isn't the first time Cunningham has captured attention. Her recent SI Swimsuit feature and yoga pants photo have kept her in the headlines, but her on-court actions and outspoken nature have made her one of the league's most polarizing figures.
As the WNBA continues to grow, moments like these spark conversations about patriotism, protest, and personal expression. Cunningham's stance — both literally and figuratively — ensures she remains a central figure in those discussions. Whether fans agree or disagree, her commitment to her beliefs is unmistakable.
