EXCLUSIVE: Sophie Cunningham opens up about playing through shoulder injury

Desert Wave Media spoke before the Phoenix Mercury's 100-84 win over the Dallas Wings with backup guard Sophie Cunningham about the team's "Camp Day" game and her strong shooting.

PHOENIX — The Phoenix Mercury had an early 12:30 p.m. tipoff on Wednesday in their 100-84 win over the Dallas Wings. 

Mercury guard Sophie Cunningham spoke with Desert Wave Media before the game that started at an unusual hour for professional basketball at any level. The game time allowed summer campers from around the Valley to attend as part of “Camp Day” throughout the league. Surprisingly, the Mercury had the latest start time of the five games played on Wednesday. 

Cunningham spoke about what the day could mean for the youngsters. 

“I love it,” she said. “I think it just gives young boys and girls an opportunity to be inspired, to be motivated. Not to just play pro sports, but to stay active and to stay healthy. When we have them in the crowd, it’s really cool that they get to see people who look like them, who come from where they come from.” 

Cunningham was kind enough to share with Desert Wave her earliest memory in women’s basketball. 

“My aunt played at the University of Missouri, and we were clearly not born yet. But with all her friends, my mom did track and field there, we were just born and raised going to women’s athletic events,” she said. “So I think the earliest days, I was like 4 years old and I thought I was going to be a cheerleader or a dancer. But I definitely got way too big for that (Cunningham is listed at 6-foot-1) and so now I’m playing basketball.” 

Cunningham, who is in her ninth season out of Missouri, is someone coach Nate Tibbetts refers to as a fierce competitor. Unfortunately for her, she has dealt with shoulder pain in her shooting arm that has limited the amount of reps she can get before games. 

“Struggling right now,” Cunningham said. “I’d love to get 10 shots in there every game, but I can’t. 

“You can’t be getting up shots, and as a rhythm shooter, that’s kind of hard because you want to stay in rhythm. But for me, it’s a mental game and I think that’s something that I need to grow in my game and I’m looking at it as an opportunity and a positive thing. But of course, any time anyone’s injured in any part of their body, it is going to affect you a little bit.” 

Still, Cunningham is leading the WNBA with 12 games shooting at least 40% from 3-point range. 

She is doing so while often coming off the bench. Cunningham in just under 29 minutes made a 3-pointer and finished with seven points, four assists and three rebounds in the Mercury’s win on Wednesday. 

“I just want to win,” Cunningham said. “I think, definitely a new role for me. I think there’s a lot in my tank and I think I got to just keep stacking days, day by day. And eventually, whatever’s for me will be for me. But right now, we’re winning and that’s what it’s about. If this is going to be my role, then I’m going to be the best knockdown shooter, I’m going to be a dog on defense. I’m just going to kind of be the glue of the team. So if that’s my role, I’m going to own it.”