It began as lighthearted banter in the commentary booth — the kind of casual chatter that usually slips past fans and disappears into broadcast archives. But when an announcer quipped, “Do I need to call Stephie White up?” during a live WNBA broadcast, the moment instantly transformed from a playful nod to Sophie Cunningham’s college career into a full-fledged headline.

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A Career Highlight Collides With Controversy

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Cunningham’s Persona: More Than Just a Scorer

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The Message Within the Moment

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Social Media Meltdown

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Coach White’s Silence

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A Deeper Narrative: Players vs. Coaches

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A Marketing Goldmine

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Cunningham’s Next Move

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The Lasting Impact

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Final Note: More Than Just Banter