The Time America Stood With Sophie Cunningham For years to come, people will remember that night.
”For the first time in history, Sophie Cunningham is named one of TIME Magazine’s 100 Most Influential Women of 2025,” the host’s voice echoed beneath the sparkling chandeliers of the TIME 100 Women Gala. The room fell silent for a moment before erupting in cheers. As fans, reporters, and even other athletes stood up, a standing ovation erupted throughout the hall. Glowing in a navy gown, Sophie Cunningham touched her heart, clearly moved by the occasion.
This was more than just an honor; it was a turning point for women, sport, and a country that had proudly and admiringly followed her journey. From Missouri Dreams to International Acclaim Sophie Cunningham was born and raised in Columbia, Missouri, and her ascent has always been characterized by tenacity. Her journey from practicing free throws until her hands blistered to becoming a WNBA star exemplifies the American dream, which is based on perseverance, hard work, and faith in one’s calling.
She once remarked, “No one was ever going to outwork me, even though I wasn’t the tallest or the fastest.” She went from being a college star at Mizzou to the Phoenix Mercury, where her intense competitiveness and unvarnished honesty made her a standout. In a field full of well-groomed public personalities, Sophie stood out for being unabashedly genuine, emotional, and outspoken. Her superpower was her readiness to display vulnerability in a society that frequently conceals it. She always spoke the truth, whether she was praising a game-winning basket or pointing out inequalities in women’s sports, and her message reached beyond basketball.
Creating History at the TIME Gala Global icons, including scientists, world leaders, and artists, were present at the TIME 100 Women ceremony in New York City. However, the atmosphere changed when Sophie’s name was revealed. The cheers were given to a symbol of bravery and transformation, not just an athlete. She was recognized by TIME for “redefining strength for a new generation,” praising her capacity to transform vulnerability into visibility.
”This isn’t about me,” she said with a tearful smile when asked backstage about becoming the first WNBA player to be named to the list. It’s about all the girls who have ever been told to keep quiet. I want her to know to speak up, play hard, and feel like you belong. A Contemporary American Hero The impact of Sophie Cunningham goes well beyond numbers and awards. She has evolved into a fresh, genuine, and relatable kind of hero.
She mentors young girls in underprivileged communities, argues with referees, and consoles teammates after a loss. Her social media posts are replete with words of encouragement rather than praise: “Continue to be present. That’s the victory. Sophie is a symbol of authenticity and unity in a divided cultural landscape. Doris Burke, an ESPN analyst, put it best when she said, “Sophie tells emotional truth.” People trust her because she shows her heart on her sleeve.
Not Just a Game Behind the scenes, Cunningham devotes her time to causes that are important to her. She helps girls in the Midwest pursue dreams that seemed unattainable by funding sports scholarships through her foundation, Play It Forward. She also publicly discusses her battles with performance pressure and self-doubt, making her a strong voice for mental health awareness. In her TIME interview, she stated, “People see the confidence, but they don’t always see the battles behind it.” I want to discuss those conflicts because they give significance to the wins.
She is now more than just a role model because of her honesty; she serves as a role model for a generation that is coming to value authenticity over perfection. The Evening That Started a Movement A young girl in the audience at the gala held up a homemade sign that read, “I want to play like Sophie.” “You already can,” Cunningham observed, grinned, and mouthed back.
Later, she told the audience during her succinct but impactful acceptance speech: “Influence isn’t about power — it’s about purpose.” Making a difference doesn’t require having a million followers. You simply must act bravely and with great care. Another standing ovation followed her remarks, demonstrating that her message had an impact well beyond the realm of sports.
