CARMEL, Ind. (WISH) – Fever fan favorite Sophie Cunningham hosted more than 300 girls and boys for a youth basketball camp in Carmel on Sunday. Fresh off playing in back-to-back games, Cunningham took center stage in an event that created lasting memories for so many kids.
The Fever sophomore guard spent four hours on the court leading drills, 5-on-5 scrimmages and even some one-on-one challenges against select campers while hundreds of kids cheered from the sidelines.
Cunningham said events like this are a key part of growing the game and creating special memories for young fans, especially girls who are falling in love with basketball.
“You see these camps get bigger, you see the WNBA platform get bigger, and with that, that means there’s more on our plate to give back as much as possible, and this is one of the ways we do that,” Cunningham said.
Cunningham’s bright personality is something Fever fans have loved about her over the past two seasons, and she encourages young basketball fans around the world to be themselves.
“One of my biggest messages for little boys too, but really for girls, is that it’s okay to be a fighter,” Cunningham said. “It’s okay to be sassy. It’s okay to go out and work hard and sweat, but also be girly if you want. I think you can be anything. All of these kids are so sweet, and I’m just here trying to give them confidence and encourage them.”
Families traveled from all over Indiana and even out of state to attend the camp. Cunningham said he doesn’t take that support for granted.
“I’m being very honest when I say that when they come and give their time and their money, our games are not cheap,” Cunningham said. “This is the least I can do to inspire the next generation and give back as much as I can. We just finished two events in a row and now I’ll be here for four hours, but I honestly wouldn’t change it for the world. That’s what it’s all about.”