Riley Gaines Christens Sophie Cunningham as the ‘Real One’ After Standing Up for Caitlin Clark

Sophie Cunningham's popularity shot through the roof after she manhandled Jacy Sheldon for physically attacking Caitlin Clark.

Riley Gaines Christens Sophie Cunningham as the ‘Real One’ After Standing Up for Caitlin Clark

Riley Gaines calls Sophie Cunningham a 'real one' (Image via FirstSportz)

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The Indiana Fever traded for Sophie Cunningham to be one of the veteran leaders to help the young core of Caitlin Clark, Aliyah Boston, and Lexie Hull take the next step in their development.

Veteran players know the ins and outs of the league. Moreover, the Missouri star’s playoff experience was going to play a vital role when the postseason came around.

Last season, their lack of playoff experience was touted as the reason for their disappointing exit from the 1st round. Cunningham has embraced the role of being the veteran spark off the bench and has contributed to many wins.

However, her first real contribution came when she manhandled Jacy Sheldon when the Connecticut Sun came to town. The Sun guard inadvertently poked Caitlin Clark in the eye. That set off another chain of heated arguments.

On what would be one of the final plays of the night, Cunningham first mowed Sheldon down and then grabbed her by the neck. With that action, the Missouri native essentially sent a message across the league, something activist and former athlete Riley Gaines is proud of.

Sophie Cunningham has been Caitlin Clark’s biggest cheerleader and defender. She is the first WNBA player I have seen to openly say this, out loud, and publicly, and not be ashamed of declaring it. She just feels like a real one, such a good friend.

Riley Gaines said on OutKick

Gaines was referring to when Cunningham said on her podcast that it angers her when WNBA players and staff do not acknowledge that Caitlin Clark is the ‘Face of the League’. The former college swimmer believes these actions make the guard a real friend.

Riley Gaines believes Sophie Cunningham is standing up amidst jealousy

The message that Sophie Cunningham sent was that there was someone to look out for Caitlin Clark amidst all the physicality she has been subjected to. Riley Gaines believes jealousy is natural in women’s sports.

I think, especially with women, especially elite level athletes, there’s a lot of people, women, who will kind of stab you in the back. There’s a lot of jealousy, a lot of resentment, especially when you’re good. Sophie just seems like such a girl’s girl. I really, really like her.

Riley Gaines said

The 25-year-old was most probably speaking from experience when talking about resentment in women’s sports. There have been ample examples of jealousy towards Clark, and last year, many had asked the Fever to invest in an enforcer.

After that incident with Jacy Sheldon, Indiana Fever fans chanted Cunningham’s name, and her popularity spiked exponentially. So much so that now she is one of the most popular players on social media.

Riley Gaines wants Sophie Cunningham or Caitlin Clark on next American Eagle campaign

That popularity has seen Sophie Cunningham surpass 1 million followers on Instagram and TikTok. Brands are signing her for their campaigns, and Riley Gaines believes there is one that suits the Fever guard and her illustrious teammate.

Maybe Caitlin Clark should do the next American Eagle campaign or Cunningham.

Riley Gaines said
Sophie Cunningham manhandling Jacy Sheldon
Sophie Cunningham manhandling Jacy Sheldon (Image via Open Source/X)

The American Eagle ad featuring Hollywood star Sydney Sweeney has gone viral and has led to a war of words between the left and right-leaning citizens. Gaines’ suggestion for Clark and Cunningham to be a part of the next campaign could have a slight political inclination to it.

It is unlikely that Clark would agree, as she has leaned left, but her 28-year-old teammate is a proud right-winger. Going by how she has been surging in popularity, she may come to the attention of American Eagle’s top brass.

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