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The story behind Sophie Cunningham’s tattoo has much more to do with family than basketball
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Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham reveals the matching wave tattoo she shares with her mother and sister.
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The design represents Isaiah 43:2 serving as a daily reminder of faith, family support and resilience.
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Cunningham continues to shine on the court as Indiana Fever secures important victories in the WNBA season.
Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham has established herself as one of the most recognizable and dynamic personalities across the WNBA. Beyond her clutch shooting abilities, pregame fashion choices and viral social media moments, fans have long noticed a distinct detail on her right forearm. While many assumed the ink was connected to her basketball career, a recent video released through her collaboration with SHARx revealed that the design carries a deeply personal meaning tied directly to her family roots and spiritual foundation.
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A matching bond shared between three women
During the video campaign, Cunningham explained that the minimalist design on her right forearm is actually a matching tattoo shared with her mother Paula and her sister Lindsey. The artwork features a clean wave with three distinct crests placed in the exact same location on all three women. This shared visual symbol serves as an everlasting physical connection between them, illustrating the tight bond they maintain regardless of basketball schedules or geographic distances.
Biblical inspiration for overcoming deep waters
The core message behind the tattoo stems directly from scripture and provides spiritual strength during challenging periods. Cunningham revealed that the ink is inspired by Isaiah 43:2, which focuses on divine presence through life’s hardest trials. For the Cunningham family, the design represents the comforting phrase “Through the deep waters, I will be with you,” serving as a constant reminder of faith, perseverance, and mutual support throughout her athletic journey.
Family support as the anchor of her professional career
Throughout her collegiate career at Missouri and her WNBA stints with the Phoenix Mercury and Indiana Fever, Cunningham has repeatedly credited her family as her primary support system. Their presence has helped her navigate the emotional highs and lows of professional sports. While fans frequently see her fierce competitiveness on the court, the story behind her forearm tattoo offers a glimpse into her personal values and the grounded foundation that enables her success.
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Delivering clutch performances for the Indiana Fever
The timing of this personal story aligns with a strong stretch of play for Cunningham and the Indiana Fever, who recently improved their record to 8 wins and 5 losses after defeating the Connecticut Sun. Cunningham proved instrumental in the victory by scoring all 11 of her points during the final two minutes of play to seal the win. Averaging 8.9 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game, she continues to provide crucial veteran leadership, toughness and high energy both on the court and through her off court media ventures.
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A powerful reminder of what truly matters in sports
The revelation behind Sophie Cunningham’s tattoo highlights how the most meaningful sports stories often exist beyond statistics and highlight reels. Every time she steps onto the hardwood, she carries a physical symbol of the faith and family that have guided her through every step of her life. Her forearm ink stands as a testament to the idea that no matter how intense the competition gets, her true identity remains firmly anchored in family and faith.
Cover photos from: @sophie_cham
