Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham is known for her fiery attitude during the game and her gritty personality off the court.
Though those two things might seem incompatible, the truth is they are nothing but real when describing Cunningham. Cunningham, a member of the Indiana Fever, has garnered fame for her spirited play on the court and candid attitude off it.
The legendary hoops player previously candidly explained why she’s “scared to date male pro athletes” – citing the pressures of their lifestyles, access to wealth and time commitments.
Although basketball power couples still dominate headlines, Cunningham said the romantic duo of two professional athletes also carry significant emotional risks.
Long hours of travel, the paparazzi and the inability to see each other for weeks on end make these relationships very risky.
But the Indiana Fever sniper said if you want to talk to male athletes as a group, the major obstacle isn’t just a jam-packed schedule-it’s how tempting they are because of so much money.
“Athletes are tough though. Our schedule is crappy. You’re constantly on the move, but male athletes are scary. They’re just, they’re scary. It mean, there’s so much cash they get, that everything’s available. That kind of terrifies me. If you don’t have the maturity to manage all that stuff, it can become terrifying.”
Cunningham, the romantic allure of the traditional lifestyle can sometimes be misleading. “You can get caught up in the glamour of it initially, but you have to have so much emotional maturity about it.”
Cunningham also compared it to other demanding careers like comedy or med school – “character and understanding of yourself really matter more than the trade.”
How Height Restrictions Limit the WNBA Dating Pool
There is more to consider than just the mental barriers of dating as an athlete. When dating women are also having to think about physical characteristics when searching for a potential mate.
As the average height of a player in the WNBA – 6 ft.- many of the players are after someone tall enough to go alongside them.
Cunningham is 6’1, and that inherently limits her own dating prospects and choices – echoing similar discussions that had been raised by other players, such as Angel Reese, when the subject of not dating outside of the game was broached.
Despite those challenges, Cunningham’s refreshingly candid account offers a window into modern sports culture, showcasing how difficult it is to live the life of an athlete when fame, money and love are all under the microscope.
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