The Indiana Fever capped off a perfect 2025 WNBA preseason with an 81-76 victory over the Atlanta Dream on May 10, but the triumph was overshadowed by a concerning injury to standout guard Sophie Cunningham. The 28-year-old, who joined the Fever in a blockbuster four-team trade during the offseason, suffered a right ankle injury in the third quarter of the preseason finale, sparking immediate worry among fans and analysts with the regular season just days away. However, Fever head coach Stephanie White has since broken her silence, offering an encouraging update that has provided a cautiously optimistic outlook for Cunningham’s recovery.
Cunningham, a six-year veteran known for her fiery competitiveness and sharpshooting, rolled her ankle after landing awkwardly on Atlanta Dream forward Rhyne Howard’s foot while battling for a rebound. The incident occurred during her first start of the preseason, where she contributed five points, two rebounds, and an assist in 15 minutes of play. Despite the visible pain, Cunningham managed to walk off the court with only a slight limp, a promising sign noted by observers. The Fever later listed her as “doubtful” to return, opting for caution in the exhibition game. Postgame, she was seen wearing a protective boot, further fueling speculation about the severity of the injury.
In a postgame press conference, Coach White addressed the situation, relaying Cunningham’s own words: “She keeps saying, ‘I’ll be fine.’ So I trust her.” This statement, reported by Fever beat writer Scott Agness and echoed across multiple sources, including Sports Illustrated and Yahoo Sports, has become a beacon of hope for Fever faithful. White’s comments suggest that Cunningham’s injury may not be as severe as initially feared, especially given the guard’s ability to walk off unaided and her proactive approach to recovery, which included time in a cold tub immediately after the game. While no official testing had been reported within the first 30 minutes post-injury, the absence of immediate alarm from the coaching staff is a positive indicator.
The timing of Cunningham’s injury is critical, as the Fever are set to open their regular season on May 17 against the Chicago Sky at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. With only a week to recover, fans expressed their concern on social media, with one X user noting, “Hopefully, that is just a sprain for Sophie Cunningham. But damn, that sounded bad.” Another commented, “Need Sophie to get well and back in time for the Sky game.” These sentiments reflect Cunningham’s growing importance to the team, both as a player and a charismatic figure who has quickly endeared herself to Indiana’s fanbase.
Cunningham’s acquisition from the Phoenix Mercury was a strategic move by the Fever’s front office to bolster their backcourt depth and add veteran experience to a roster headlined by Caitlin Clark, Aliyah Boston, and Kelsey Mitchell. Her performance in the preseason, including a standout 21-point, eight-rebound game against the Washington Mystics, earned her high praise from White, who called her “a dawg” and “a competitor.” Her energy, defensive tenacity, and three-point shooting have already reshaped the Fever’s rotations, with White experimenting by starting Cunningham alongside Clark, Mitchell, Natasha Howard, and Boston in the Atlanta game.
The injury scare comes at a pivotal moment for the Fever, who are looking to build on their first playoff appearance since 2016. The team’s offseason additions, including DeWanna Bonner and Sydney Colson, signal an aggressive push for contention in 2025. However, injuries to key players like Cunningham and reserve center Damiris Dantas, who missed the Atlanta game with a left lower leg issue, underscore the importance of health in a grueling WNBA season. Caitlin Clark’s own management of quad tightness during the preseason further highlights the team’s cautious approach to player recovery.
Cunningham’s post-injury social media activity has also alleviated some concerns. Her lighthearted TikTok post, where she humorously addressed her relationship status, suggests she remains in good spirits and mentally prepared to bounce back. This resilience aligns with her reputation as a fierce competitor, a trait that has made her a fan favorite and a valuable asset alongside Clark and Lexie Hull, with whom she shares a playful camaraderie dubbed “Tres Leches” by fans.
While the specific severity of Cunningham’s ankle injury remains undisclosed, the combination of her ability to walk off the court, White’s optimistic update, and the week-long recovery window bodes well for her availability against Chicago. The Fever’s medical staff will likely monitor her closely, potentially employing imaging or further treatment to ensure she’s game-ready. For now, White’s trust in Cunningham’s self-assessment offers a reassuring narrative, but fans will be watching anxiously as the season opener approaches, hoping their new star can hit the ground running—ankle intact.
