Feature Story /// Sophie Cunningham


          A few hands, good for you. How many of you earned that black belt at the age of six? No hands, thanks for being honest. How many of you have been named honorary mayor of your city, because you’re so good at what you do and are so beloved for the way you do it?


Honesty is the best policy, congratulations. Nobody. Sophie Cunningham has done both, as well as many other inspirational achievements. To know her is to understand why. She has a personality and drive that exude a magnetic force of likability and success, her smile can melt an iceberg. Whatever she does, if it’s Sophie’s Choice, she’s going


Story By: Tom Loeffler Photography By: Phoenix Mercury, Steve Long, and Mizzou Athletics


  another notch in her belt comes early in 2025. The 3rd annual Sophie Cunningham Girls Basketball Classic will


 her sister, Lindsey, and Mizzou coaching legend Norm Stewart. This event is about much more than just basketball. “We traveled all around the country as kids trying to be seen by the top schools, and playing against the best players and teams,” Cunningham said. “And there are literally so many of the top 25 ESPN players right here in Missouri.


“So Lindsey and I sat down with Norm Stewart — and he’s been absolutely amazing, we just love him so much — we wanted to bring something to mid-Missouri to showcase the girls. “You go to all these tournaments and the girls kind of get the hand-me-downs from the guys. We wanted to embrace and em- power being female.” Cunningham continued.


6 /// January 2025


“When the kids come here,” she said, “we try to get them as much woman’s gear as possible. We try to get them feminine products and face wash and everything else girls need, especially at the high school level.


“Both me and my sister will be there 24/7, our tournament is


very interactive. We want to help mentor these girls and answer all their questions. We want to give back to the younger genera- tion to help them be their best selves. We talk about everything. “We also tell them if you want to do great things, you’re going to


 Sophie gets as much out of this venture as she puts into it. And she puts a LOT into it.


“I’m just trying to use my platform and all I’ve been blessed with to make it easier for the next generation,” she said. “I like to embrace these kids, celebrate these kids and let them know they have a WNBA player in their corner pulling for them.”


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