Sophie Cunningham drops candid reaction to ‘s*x symbol’ perception around her name: “That is way better”

Sophie Cunningham has never appeared interested in fitting the usual image of a WNBA player. The Indiana Fever guard has been open about her personality, her fashion choices, and her willingness to answer difficult questions without much hesitation. During a recent conversation with Colin Cowherd, Cunningham found herself facing a label that often follows athletes who attract attention outside the court. Her reaction was not defensive. Instead, she laughed it off and made it clear she was comfortable with how she presents herself.Sophie Cunningham reacts to 's*x symbol' perceptionDuring an appearance on Colin Cowherd's Volume podcast network, Sophie Cunningham was asked about how she is viewed within the WNBA. Cowherd began describing her place in the league before pausing. "You are kind of viewed as the leagues…ummm," Cowherd hesitated."Just say it," Cunningham interrupted."S*x symbol," he responded."That is way better, I thought you were gonna go somewhere completely different," she responded jokingly.Cunningham later explained why she has no problem embracing a more feminine image while playing professional basketball. For her, fashion and competitiveness have never been mutually exclusive."For me, the reason why I really lean into that is, first of all, I've always been super girly. Since a little girl, I've always loved to dress up. I love dresses. I love high heels. I love all of that," Cunningham explained.The Fever guard continued, "For some reason, our society, if you play basketball, you can't dress that way, or you can't be girly. No one's ever said it, but it's like, they kind of feel like you can't be both. Screw all that. Yes, you can. You can be girly, and you can go out and kick someone's a*s."Sophie Cunningham launches new podcastCunningham has also added another outlet for those conversations with the launch of "No Hesitation," a podcast she hosts with basketball trainer Drew Hanlen. The show debuted Thursday and replaces "Show Me Something," her previous podcast with West Wilson.The new program is centered on basketball and the personalities surrounding the sport. Cunningham said she wanted a platform where conversations could be more direct."I just felt like there was not a podcast or really any social media out there that gave you real, honest truth about basketball and strictly basketball," Cunningham said.Hanlen also addressed the gap between Cunningham's actual comments and the way some of them are portrayed online."People think you’re like some troll and make statements, but really it’s 99% of the time people ask you a question, you answer, you give your opinion, and then people blow it up and act like you made a big political statement," Hanlen said."Stop asking me questions if you don’t want the truth," Cunningham responded.Cunningham used the debut episode to discuss several basketball-related topics, including media coverage and recognition within the WNBA. She argued that popularity and politics can sometimes influence award voting."I think it’s very political. I think there’s a lot of people who are really, really great who don’t get the credit because maybe they don’t have the popularity or they don’t have the platform," Cunningham said.She also called on the league's media to focus more closely on what is happening on the court."I think you kind of hit it when you said the WNBA media pretty much covers everything but basketball," Cunningham said.Cunningham believes the league is entering an important period, with the WNBA expanding and a new commissioner set to take over after Cathy Engelbert's planned departure at the end of 2026. She said better practice facilities should be a basic priority for every franchise.The podcast is scheduled to release new episodes each Thursday, with Cunningham promising a mix of film study, strategy and candid discussion around professional basketball.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.