Sophie Cunningham: From the Court to the Charts — The WNBA Star Who Found Her Voice

When fans think of Sophie Cunningham, they picture her fiery spirit on the basketball court — a fierce competitor with an electric smile and unstoppable energy. As one of the Phoenix Mercury’s standout players, she’s built a name as both a crowd favorite and a leader in women’s sports.

But in 2025, Sophie’s influence took an unexpected turn. TIME Magazine named her one of the 100 Most Influential People in Music, a title that stunned fans — and Sophie herself. Because behind the threes and the tough defense, there has always been another rhythm: her music.

From Hoops to Harmony

Born and raised in Columbia, Missouri, Sophie grew up surrounded by family, faith, and fierce competition. Basketball was her passion — but music was her peace.

Before she was a WNBA star, Sophie sang in church, played guitar, and wrote songs as a way to process her emotions. “Basketball pushes me to be strong,” she once said, “but music reminds me to be still.”

Her teammates often joked that she was the team’s unofficial DJ. Whether before big games or during long road trips, Sophie’s playlists set the mood. What began as a locker-room hobby slowly turned into something deeper — a way to connect, inspire, and express her soul beyond the court.

A Star Who Found Her Voice

During the 2023 offseason, Sophie began sharing clips of herself singing online — simple videos of acoustic covers and original songs. Her voice, warm and soulful, caught everyone off guard. Fans saw a softer, more vulnerable side of the athlete they thought they knew.

Soon, her music gained traction. Invitations poured in for charity events, halftime performances, and small concerts. But for Sophie, this wasn’t about fame — it was about connection.

“I’ve always believed music is like sport,” she told TIME. “It’s about teamwork, timing, and energy. When it’s real, people feel it.”

That authenticity struck a chord — literally and figuratively.

Redefining Influence

Sophie’s inclusion in TIME’s 100 Most Influential in Music wasn’t about record sales. It was about impact.

Her breakout song, “Play Like a Girl,” became a viral anthem celebrating confidence, equality, and joy. It wasn’t just catchy — it was courageous. The song reframed femininity and competitiveness as strengths that coexist beautifully.

TIME wrote:

“Sophie Cunningham doesn’t just blur the line between athlete and artist — she erases it. Her rhythm inspires resilience.”

Through her art, Sophie represents a new generation of women who use creativity to empower others — both on and off the court.

The Soundtrack of Resilience

Sophie’s path hasn’t been easy. Like many athletes, she’s faced injuries, doubt, and relentless pressure to perform. After a serious knee injury in 2022, she turned to songwriting during recovery.

“I couldn’t play basketball,” she shared, “so I wrote about missing it. Music became my rehab.”

Those songs — raw, emotional, and deeply human — resonated with anyone who’s ever fought to rise again. Her lyrics became a reflection of her resilience and a reminder that strength comes in many forms.

Beyond the Game

What makes Sophie’s story remarkable isn’t just her talent — it’s her heart. She uses her growing platform to advocate for mental health, body positivity, and faith. She ends concerts and even post-game interviews with a simple message: “Keep fighting. Keep shining.”

Her foundation, Sophie Strong, provides scholarships for girls from underprivileged backgrounds who dream of pursuing both sports and the arts. She also mentors young athletes and musicians, often saying, “You never know which will save a kid first — a song or a game.”

Through these efforts, she’s turned personal passion into lasting impact.

Why It Matters

Sophie Cunningham’s recognition by TIME isn’t just about music. It’s about freedom — the freedom to be more than one thing.

She proves that women can be fierce and feminine, competitive and creative, strong and soft — all at once. She challenges old stereotypes about what athletes “should” be and instead redefines influence as something emotional, authentic, and human.

As TIME put it,

“Sophie Cunningham isn’t just changing the game — she’s changing the sound of what influence feels like.”

Still Rising

Today, Sophie continues to balance her two worlds — playing professionally while writing and performing new music during the offseason. She laughs when asked how she manages it all:

“It’s crazy,” she admits. “But so is hitting a three-pointer with one second left. You just find your rhythm and trust it.”

That rhythm — joyful, resilient, and full of heart — has made her one of the most inspiring figures of her generation.

Conclusion

So yes, congratulations to Sophie Cunningham — the WNBA star turned musical inspiration — for earning a place among TIME’s 100 Most Influential People in Music.

Because sometimes, the most powerful melodies don’t come from the stage — they come from the struggle, the sweat, and the strength it takes to rise again.

Or, as Sophie herself might say with a smile and a strum of her guitar:

“If life gives you noise, make it music.” 🎶