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By Michael Gallagher
Sports Content Coordinator
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WNBA star Sophie Cunningham’s profile has never been bigger — and neither have the risks that come with it.
The 30-year-old guard, who has spent the last two seasons with the Indiana Fever, revealed this week that she’s hired around-the-clock security after months of being in the national spotlight.
Cunningham opened up about how her life has changed away from the court on her “No Hesitation” podcast with basketball trainer Drew Hanlen.
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“I was already starting…definitely in certain places people kind of knew who I was, and I couldn’t really go anywhere,” Cunningham said. “Now it’s like, it doesn’t matter what state, what city, it’s everywhere. So, I’ve definitely hired security, and they’re actually going to start traveling with me next week 24/7. So, that’s a little different.
“But yeah, it just kind of stops you from your regular routine. You have to kind of find a balance of getting away and making sure that you’re filling up your own cup and doing what you’re supposed to so when you’re out, you’re able to give people your best energy too. That’s super important to me, just being nice and being positive and treating people how I wish I could be treated.”
Cunningham’s star had already been rising thanks to her role as Caitlin Clark’s on-court enforcer, but things reached a new level this summer.
In a July 21 ESPN feature, Cunningham said she wanted to “protect young girls in a locker room, or young girls in sport who shouldn’t have to go against biological men” — comments that sparked a national debate over transgender athletes in women’s sports.
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Rallies from both critics and supporters followed the Fever to Seattle, Portland, and Minneapolis. Her name was even banned from the WNBA’s subreddit.
Cunningham’s security concerns aren’t new either.
In June, an Indianapolis man was charged with stalking, intimidation, and harassment involving Cunningham, who said the unwanted contact had caused her nightmares and led her to stay home more often.
During a recent appearance on Theo Von’s “This Past Weekend” podcast, Cunningham said she believes the FBI is watching roughly 20 people over concerns involving her. She didn’t identify any of those individuals or explain the FBI’s possible involvement.
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