Caitlin Clark Dedicates Heartfelt 4-Word Reaction to Sophie Cunningham Injury

This season has been riddled with a series of troughs and crests for Indiana Fever. Take June 18, 2025, for example. When Connecticut Sun player, Jacy Sheldon poked Caitlin Clark in the eye, her methods of derailing Indiana Fever failed miserably. This incident ignited Fever teammates but it was Sophie Cunningham who grabbed Sheldon by the nape and established her loyalty towards Caitlin Clark. And now, it was the Fever superstar’s turn to return the favor.

While Fever ended a two-game losing streak with an unexpected 99-93 win, they failed to celebrate this bitter-sweet victory. After all, watching Sophie Cunningham exit the hardwood in the second quarter was a setback for the entire roster. Despite discussions surrounding the MRI scan and the exact injury, the Fever shut down all rumors. They recently declared Cunningham out for the remainder of the season.

Despite being away from the active roster due to an ongoing groin injury, Caitlin Clark ensures supporting the team emotionally. So, naturally, she could not help but stand by her Tres Leches member during the need of the hour. The reigning rookie reposted the update shared by the official Fever page on social media. Posting a story on Instagram, Caitlin Clark penned a heartfelt four-word reaction that read, “Love you always, Soph.” This phrase was enough to highlight the bond between the two Indiana Fever teammates.

The franchise had shared a poster of Sophie Cunningham with a caption that read, “Sophie Cunningham will miss the remainder of the season after suffering an injury during our game at Connecticut on Sunday.” As someone who extends her love and support online and in person, Clark was quick to hop on social media and shared her rawest emotion towards Cunningham. After all, Clark is as involved in the game as her teammates. She had even jumped off the bench as Fever won the 2025 Commissioner’s Cup, hugging her teammates and screaming in joy.

While Cunningham becomes the latest locker room member to join on the sidelines, the Fever need to heavily rely on newcomers Chloe Bibby and Odyssey Sims. With Kyra Lambert’s contract already terminated, how will the franchise survive without the original athletes? But more importantly, can the Fever secure a seat in the playoffs without Clark this season?

Indiana Fever sign a new hardship contract

After the Indiana Fever terminated Kyra Lambert’s contract on Tuesday, the official website dropped a shocking news concerning Sophie Cunningham. According to the update, Cunningham will no longer play with the roster this season. With another original athlete out and Lambert leaving the roster, the franchise had no choice but to act on its feet.

The team had recently signed Lambert on a seven-day hardship contract. According to the terms of the replacement deal, the contract stands terminated in case one of the original players returns to the active roster. Unfortunately, Fever prematurely terminated the hardship contract without any clarity. Moreover, Lambert did get a chance to prove her worth against the Connecticut Sun.

But with Sophie Cunningham joining Caitlin Clark, Sydney Colson, and Aari McDonald on the sidelines, the Fever had no choice but to sign another hardship contract. They welcomed their fifth hardship joinee, Shey Peddy, on a seven-day replacement contract on August 19, 2025.

As a seasoned WNBA veteran, Shey is known for her strong defense and versatility. And who knows, maybe she can eventually transform into an asset for the franchise. Associated with the Los Angeles Sparks in June 2025, the athlete had averaged 5 points, 3 rebounds, and 2.7 assists in 23 minutes per game. But can she shift the game in Fever’s favor? That remains to be seen.