Indiana Fever player Sophie Cunningham has experienced a surge in popularity among WNBA fans. The former Phoenix Mercury player has earned attention for her outspoken personality and energetic presence off the bench, a role that has also turned her into a meme.

During a game against her former team, Cunningham was involved in a heated exchange with forward DeWanna Bonner. In the moment, she mocked Bonner and pointed directly at her face, a gesture that quickly spread across social media platforms.

The viral moment built momentum online, leading many fans and even children to ask Cunningham to recreate the pose whenever they see her. She has encountered this recurring fan request both in person and before games.

Prior to the Fever’s matchup with the New York Liberty, a group of young fans asked the Fever player to take photos and prompted her to point again. Cunningham spoke about the interaction after the experience.

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“They're the ones requesting that. They're like, ‘Hey, can you point?’ I'm like, ‘Whatever you guys want.’ So, I walked in, and instead of like cheers and stuff, everyone pointed. I don't know if they set that up or what, but it's been really fun to come in there, and now they all start to do it,” Cunningham told media members, as reported by WISH-TV News’ Angela Moryan.

Cunningham also discussed her unexpected rise to meme status, saying the viral attention was never part of her plan. She expressed amusement over how far the image has spread.

“But I did not mean for that meme (to happen), to even become a meme, and it just kind of went all over the world, so it's been kind of funny,” she said.

The interaction and fan engagement have become a consistent part of her experience during games. Cunningham’s gesture has gained popularity among both adult supporters and younger fans, making it a lighthearted trademark associated with her personality.

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Beyond social media notoriety, Cunningham’s activities off the basketball court have also drawn notice. She recently appeared at UFC 329, where she was seen pointing again, this time at UFC legend Max Holloway.

While continuing to enjoy the playful aspect of the fan response, Cunningham remains productive for the Indiana Fever. She has contributed on the floor under head coach Stephanie White.

According to Basketball Reference, Cunningham is averaging 9.4 points and 2.3 rebounds per game while shooting 43.7 percent from beyond the arc. Those metrics illustrate her level of shooting accuracy and scoring productivity for the season referenced.

Her increased recognition has intersected with both her on-court energy and her public persona, creating an unexpected connection with fans that extends beyond basketball performance.

Through the combination of spirited play, a viral moment, and a sense of humor about her meme status, Cunningham continues to receive fan support in creative and memorable ways wherever she goes.

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