Fever Coach Stephanie White Explains Why Sophie Cunningham Is the 'Copier' on Team
Indiana Fever head coach Stephanie White has a vivid way of describing Sophie Cunningham's value.
On a recent appearance on the "Query & Company" podcast, she delivered one of her best yet. White painted a crystal-clear picture of what Cunningham means to this team.
White was asked who she considered the "copier" on the roster. The term borrows from a familiar office dynamic. It describes one indispensable colleague everyone turns to when something breaks down or needs fixing.
White immediately had two players in mind.
"I think we have two. I think we have them in different ways. I think Lexie and Sophie are that for us," White replied.
White credited Hull as an outstanding defensive player. Cunningham, she said, operates on a different level entirely.
"Sophie is really a Swiss Army knife, so to speak," White explained. "We play her in a lot of different positions. We play her in a lot of different roles. She's an elite communicator. She's experienced. She's been through it. She understands. She gets everybody in the right spots.
"So I think those two collectively are our copiers."
Cunningham wasted no time proving her value after arriving in Indiana last season. Brought in as an enforcer to protect superstar Caitlin Clark, she delivered toughness, grit and a whole lot more. Her heart and hustle became contagious in the locker room. It rubbed off on teammates throughout the campaign.
An MCL tear ended her 2025 season early, keeping her out of the playoffs entirely. Still, the Fever made it a priority to bring her back. Indiana re-signed her to a one-year, $665,000 deal this offseason.
Cunningham has rewarded that trust immediately. Her selflessness set the tone early. After starting the first three games, Cunningham stepped aside to allow Hull to reclaim her starting spot.
She erupted in her first game off the bench against the Seattle Storm. Cunningham posted 17 points, three rebounds, one steal and one block.
Through six games, she has been a steady presence for White. Cunningham is averaging 8.7 points, 2.8 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game.
Related: Sophie Cunningham Comments on Indiana Fever's Situation
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This story was originally published May 28, 2026 at 7:35 AM.