Sometimes it takes time to appreciate the lessons that one learns playing with Hall of Famers. The path that WNBA star Sophie Cunningham has been on is an example of that very principle.

During a conversation with Shannon Spake on the “Sons & Daughters” podcast, Cunningham spoke about being put under the spotlight after she collaborated with Diana Taurasi and Brittney Griner in her early career.

"What an opportunity to like be yourself and to inspire people who are just like you," she said, describing how she reframes the pressure.

That perspective did not come immediately. Cunningham played six seasons with the Phoenix Mercury along with the likes of Diana Taurasi and Brittney Griner, where she had experienced sold-out arenas with championship expectations.

Cunningham elaborated further on just how different this level of visibility has been.

"But when I tell it to you like times a million, it times a million. Like you can't prepare," she said, acknowledging the jump in scrutiny since joining the Fever.

That adjustment has proven difficult for other players around the league too. However, Cunningham noted that there have been new additions to the roster who, in private, admitted that being constantly watched was something that had surprised them and which even forced some to request a trade elsewhere.

Certainly, her experiences in Phoenix provide valuable perspective on the matter. Cunningham was one of the cornerstones of the Mercury team that reached the 2021 WNBA Finals, along with Taurasi and Griner.

In fact, inspiring others is something that Sophie focuses on outside of her podcast, as she applies it directly to her business ventures.

Sophie Cunningham's Sneaker Rise Reflects Her Off-Court Influence

An athlete who used to wear inexpensive sneakers on the court is now an important personality for a well-known brand of sportswear.

Adidas is reportedly preparing a player-exclusive sneaker for the Indiana Fever guard Cunningham, scheduled to launch July 24. According to Sole Retriever, the Crazy Energy Sophie Cunningham PE will carry a $120 price tag once released.

That report arrives as Cunningham's public profile keeps climbing steadily. She has close to 2 million Instagram followers, hosts her own podcast, and recently found herself trending again through viral moments involving Phoenix Mercury forward DeWanna Bonner.

Her growing visibility traces directly back to that same Adidas partnership. Just over a year ago, Cunningham was known for wearing $45 Adidas shoes during games before later appearing in campaigns for Damian Lillard's Dame X signature line.

On the court, she is averaging 9.1 points, 2.4 rebounds and 1.4 assists a game for Indiana this season.

How is Sophie Cunningham turning her rising profile into a growing sneaker deal with Adidas?

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Written by

Utsav Gupta

Edited by

Utsav Gupta