The internet, ever vigilant for moments of viral gold, was set ablaze even before tip-off. As Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham made her way into the arena for her highly anticipated comeback game, her pre-match attire wasn’t just a fashion statement – it was a bold, shocking declaration that instantly went viral, captivating social media and becoming the talk of the WNBA.
Cunningham, known for her fiery on-court demeanor and increasingly for her off-court personality, arrived for the Indiana Fever’s road game against the Las Vegas Aces on Sunday, June 22, 2025, sporting a custom-designed t-shirt that referenced her hilariously popular “Tres Leches” nickname. The shirt featured herself, Lexie Hull, and the undeniable face of the WNBA, Caitlin Clark, playfully alluding to the trio being the “Three Milks” in Spanish.
This wasn’t just any T-shirt. It was a perfectly timed, witty nod to an inside joke that had gained traction among fans, following the undeniable chemistry and protective instincts shown between Cunningham, Hull, and Clark. It showcased Cunningham’s self-awareness, her embrace of the burgeoning WNBA culture, and her willingness to lean into the playful narratives that social media thrives on. Fans immediately reacted with delight, exclaiming, “I want that shirt!!” and “OMG, Sophie, you’re hilarious 😄.” The consensus was clear: Sophie “passed the vibe check.”
The shirt’s virality was amplified by the context of Cunningham’s recent actions and her “comeback” to the national spotlight. Just days prior, on June 17, 2025, in a heated matchup against the Connecticut Sun, Cunningham had been handed a Flagrant 2 foul and ejected from the game for a retaliatory foul on Sun guard Jacy Sheldon. This incident, where Cunningham visibly defended Caitlin Clark after Sheldon had poked Clark in the eye, went viral itself. It earned Cunningham a $400 fine but also cemented her status as “The Enforcer” and Caitlin Clark’s “bodyguard” in the eyes of many fans. Her jersey had promptly sold out from the Fever team store, and her social media following exploded, gaining nearly a million TikTok followers in a week. This “Tres Leches” shirt was her first major public appearance since that dramatic moment, and she capitalized on it perfectly.
Cunningham’s comeback isn’t just about a viral shirt; it’s about her return to full impact on the court after battling injuries. She had a rocky start to the 2025 season, missing the first two games due to an ankle injury suffered in a preseason game on May 10. She returned for a few games but then re-aggravated the same ankle on May 30 against the Connecticut Sun, forcing her to miss another three games. Her absence was felt, as the Fever struggled with both her and Caitlin Clark (who was dealing with a quad injury) sidelined. However, since returning to the lineup on June 14, Cunningham has been steadily re-integrating into the team, providing much-needed veteran presence, defensive grit, and scoring flashes. In the games leading up to the Aces matchup, she had been averaging around 5-9 points and 5-7 rebounds in 20-25 minutes, showcasing her versatility.
Beyond the fashion statement and her “enforcer” role, Sophie Cunningham is a fiercely competitive player with a deep understanding of the game. Her collegiate career at Missouri saw her become the program’s all-time leading scorer, showcasing her offensive prowess. In the WNBA, she’s known for her hustle, her ability to guard multiple positions, and her timely three-point shooting. This season, she’s averaging 6.4 points in 22.6 minutes off the bench, providing crucial energy and defensive intensity.
Her recent candid statements further contribute to her burgeoning popularity. On Saturday, June 21, ahead of the Aces game, Cunningham spoke to the media, placing some blame on the referees for the escalating physicality in games. “I think the refs had a lot to do with that,” she said. “It was a build up for a couple years now of them just not, not protecting the star player in the WNBA. And so at the end of the day, I’m going to protect my teammates, that’s what I do.” This blunt honesty resonated with fans who feel the league’s officiating needs to adapt to the heightened physicality and star power.
Cunningham’s social media presence has become a significant part of her overall appeal. She frequently shares behind-the-scenes glimpses of team life, interacts directly with fans, and showcases her personality, which ranges from witty humor to passionate advocacy. Her “fit checks” – pregame outfit reveals – are highly anticipated, and she often uses them to make subtle or overt statements. The “Tres Leches” shirt is a prime example of her leveraging this platform.
Her comeback is not just a personal triumph; it’s a reflection of the evolving WNBA landscape. The influx of new fans, largely driven by the “Caitlin Clark effect,” has brought unprecedented scrutiny and engagement to every aspect of the league, from on-court action to player personalities and fashion. Players like Cunningham, with their authentic personas and willingness to connect with fans, are perfectly positioned to capitalize on this increased visibility. She embodies the toughness, camaraderie, and outspokenness that many new fans are drawn to in the WNBA.
As for the game itself against the Las Vegas Aces on June 22, the Fever, despite Cunningham’s viral entrance, ultimately fell 89-81. Cunningham played 17 minutes, contributing 0 points on 0-for-3 shooting (0-for-2 from three), but collected 6 rebounds, 1 steal, and showed her defensive tenacity. While the offensive numbers weren’t there in that specific game, her mere presence and the viral moment created undeniable buzz. The Fever’s season continues to be a work in progress, but the energy and personality injected by players like Cunningham are crucial for their growth and for keeping the WNBA at the forefront of sports conversations.
Sophie Cunningham’s pre-match attire wasn’t just a quirky fashion choice; it was a strategically brilliant move that solidified her status as a fan favorite, showcased her personality, and leveraged the current social media landscape to amplify her “comeback” and the WNBA’s rising profile. It proved that sometimes, the biggest impact happens even before the first whistle blows.
