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Sophie Cunningham’s touching gesture brings young Fever fan to tears after win originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Sophie Cunningham heard plenty of boos during the Indiana Fever’s latest road game. One young fan’s emotional reaction afterward, however, meant far more.
Following Indiana’s 112-98 victory over the Portland Fire on Friday night, Cunningham stopped near the stands and handed a game-worn shoe to a young Fever supporter.
The fan could hardly believe what had happened. Video shared by the Fever showed the child becoming overwhelmed after receiving the unexpected gift. She stared at Cunningham’s shoe in disbelief before covering her face as the emotions took over.
“The reaction on this young fan’s face when Sophie Cunningham gifted her a game-worn shoe after tonight’s win in Portland,” the Fever wrote, adding a teary-eyed emoji.
It was a small gesture from Cunningham, but one that immediately became an unforgettable memory for the young fan.
Sophie Cunningham creates special moment after Fever victory
Cunningham has repeatedly discussed her desire to inspire the next generation of basketball players and fans. Her interaction in Portland allowed her to do exactly that without saying a word.
The 29-year-old guard removed the shoe after the final buzzer, walked toward the stands and delivered it directly to the waiting fan. The emotional moment provided a heartwarming conclusion to an otherwise eventful night for Cunningham.
She was booed by sections of the Moda Center crowd when she entered the game midway through the first quarter. Cunningham quickly answered by knocking down a 3-pointer and ultimately finished with 13 points in the Fever’s fifth consecutive victory. Indiana improved to 19-10 and has now won nine of its past 11 games. The Fever also became the first team in WNBA history to score at least 100 points in five consecutive games.
Caitlin Clark led the way with 26 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists, recording the fourth triple-double of her WNBA career. Kelsey Mitchell added 26 points as Indiana pulled away with a 34-point third quarter.
MORE: Replay shows Caitlin Clark’s Fever teammates may have saved her from automatic WNBA suspension
Cunningham shows another side after emotional night
Much of the attention surrounding Cunningham lately has focused on events away from basketball. Friday’s postgame exchange offered a reminder of the personal connection athletes can create with their youngest supporters.
A game-worn shoe may be only one piece of equipment to a professional player. To the fan who received it, the gift clearly represented something much bigger. Cunningham did not linger or attempt to make herself the center of the moment. She handed over the shoe, shared a quick interaction with the fan and continued walking toward the locker room.
The child’s reaction told the rest of the story.
Long after the final score in Portland is forgotten, that young Fever fan will still have the shoe and the memory of the night Cunningham noticed her in the crowd.
More WNBA news:
- Replay shows Caitlin Clark’s Fever teammates may have saved her from automatic WNBA suspension
- Aliyah Boston faces WNBA fine after heated exchange with Serah Williams
- Kelsey Mitchell makes double WNBA history in Fever’s win over Fire
- Kiki Iriafen, Cotie McMahon face WNBA fines after chippy Mystics-Wings game
- Angel Reese gets brutally honest about trade from Sky to Dream
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