The Indiana Fever’s training camp is heating up — and Sophie Cunningham has just turned up the temperature.

After being acquired in a surprising offseason move, Cunningham arrived in Indianapolis with something to prove. And just a few days into training camp, she’s already making headlines as the emotional and physical spark the Fever have been missing.

The 6-foot-1 guard-forward hybrid wasted no time making her presence felt. In scrimmages, she’s been relentless on defense, vocal in the huddle, and fiercely protective of her new teammate — rookie phenom Caitlin Clark.

“Sophie brings toughness, grit, and experience,” Fever head coach Christie Sides said. “She’s the kind of player who’s going to stand up for her teammates and hold everyone accountable. She fits exactly what we need right now.”

Cunningham, 28, spent the last five seasons with the Phoenix Mercury, where she became known for her fiery play style and no-nonsense attitude. While her stats have been solid — averaging 9.5 points and 3 rebounds per game last season — it’s her intangibles that are already turning heads in Indiana.

In one recent scrimmage, a hard foul on Clark was quickly met with Cunningham stepping in between the rookie and her defender, jawing back with intensity. Teammates quickly defused the moment, but the message was clear: don’t mess with Caitlin Clark when Sophie’s on the court.

“It’s about protecting our own,” Cunningham said after practice. “Caitlin’s special, and she’s going to get targeted. That’s just the reality. I’ve been in this league long enough to know how it works. I’m here to make sure she can play her game without looking over her shoulder.”

Clark, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft, is widely expected to be the centerpiece of the Fever’s rebuild. After a record-breaking college career at Iowa, the 22-year-old sharpshooter is adjusting to the speed and physicality of the pro level — and Cunningham is helping with that transition.

“Sophie’s been amazing,” Clark said. “She plays with so much fire. She’s already become one of the leaders in this locker room. It’s cool to have someone who’s got your back and pushes you every day.”

Cunningham’s impact isn’t limited to the defensive end. Her ability to stretch the floor with her three-point shooting and attack closeouts adds another dimension to the Fever offense, which struggled with spacing in recent years.

“She plays hard on every possession,” said veteran forward NaLyssa Smith. “You feel her energy the second she checks in. She’s vocal, she’s fearless, and she’s just flat-out tough. We need that edge.”

Indiana finished 13–27 last season and hasn’t made the playoffs since 2016. But with Clark’s arrival, plus the addition of seasoned players like Cunningham and Aliyah Boston continuing to develop, expectations are rising.

WNBA analysts are already buzzing about Cunningham’s role as Clark’s “enforcer” — a player who isn’t afraid to mix things up, play physical, and take the heat off her younger teammate. Some have compared her to enforcer archetypes from NBA teams of the past — think Udonis Haslem or Draymond Green — leaders who bring toughness and credibility.

Whether she starts or comes off the bench, Cunningham is expected to be a key voice in the Fever’s locker room, especially in high-pressure moments.

“She’s going to be the glue,” said Coach Sides. “When the game gets chippy, when the crowd gets loud, when someone takes a cheap shot — she’ll be there.”

As training camp continues, fans and media alike will be watching how this dynamic duo of Clark and Cunningham evolves. One’s a generational scorer, the other a seasoned warrior.

And together, they just might bring the fight — and the fire — back to Indiana basketball.