Sophie Cunningham’s Fever teammate delivers perfect description of Indiana ‘enforcer’ originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Sophie Cunningham’s toughness has made her one of the Indiana Fever’s most recognizable players. Makayla Timpson believes there is much more to Cunningham than the fiery moments that frequently go viral. Timpson offered an entertaining assessment of her teammate during a recent interview, describing Cunningham as a “character,” a great teammate and someone opponents would be wise not to anger.
“Oh Sophie, she’s a character,” Timpson said. “But you know, if you get on her bad side, she’s gonna be that type of person. She’s a good person, though. She’s a great teammate overall. She’s just feisty. She’s got that tenacity about her. That’s her game.”
Cunningham has embraced the role of Indiana’s unofficial enforcer since joining the organization before the 2025 season. She has repeatedly defended her teammates during physical exchanges, earning considerable support from Fever fans in the process.
Makayla Timpson explains why Fever love Cunningham
Timpson indicated that Cunningham’s teammates appreciate that fiery side of her, too.
"SHE'S JUST FEISTY... THAT'S OUR GIRL!" 😂🔥@MakaylaTimpson2 keeping it 100% real about Indiana Fever teammate @sophaller ! 🗣️
— EssentiallySports (@ES_sportsnews) August 18, 2026
While Timpson warns that you definitely don't want to get on Sophie Cunningham's bad side, she made sure to highlight what makes her such an… pic.twitter.com/vcuMC1tcGq
“We love it, and we’re just going to continue to support whatever she does on the court, whatever she wants to go viral about,” Timpson said. “That’s our girl!”
Cunningham’s personality receives plenty of attention, but she also has filled an important basketball role for coach Stephanie White. The veteran guard has appeared in 34 games this season, including 31 off the bench, while averaging 8.7 points, 2.4 rebounds and 1.2 assists. Those numbers do not entirely explain her value. Cunningham brings energy, perimeter shooting and an edge that can change the feel of a game. She gives Indiana an experienced guard capable of playing alongside Caitlin Clark or Kelsey Mitchell without requiring the offense to run through her.
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Indiana’s enforcer brings more than viral moments
Timpson has also experienced an expanded role during her second WNBA season. The 2025 second-round selection is averaging 4.9 points and 4.4 rebounds and recently earned a place in the starting frontcourt alongside Aliyah Boston. The two teammates have helped Indiana build one of the league’s deepest and most spirited rotations. Cunningham supplies a veteran voice and fearlessness, while Timpson has provided athleticism and rebounding inside.
Cunningham may occasionally test the patience of opponents, but Timpson’s comments made Indiana’s position clear. The Fever have no interest in changing the qualities that make their “enforcer” unique.