Sophie Cunningham refuses to say when she last went on a date despite having millions of admirers
When asked about her last date, Sophie paused and asked a question of her own: What exactly counts as one?
T he question sounded simple: What was the worst first date Sophie Cunningham had ever been on? But before she could offer an awkward or funny dating story, the Indiana Fever guard revealed something far more personal. “People don't come up to me,” she said. “I don't really go on dates.” For a woman followed and admired by millions, it was an unexpectedly vulnerable admission.
The hosts of the Like A Farmer podcast then tried a different approach. When was the last time she had been on a legitimate date? Cunningham paused and asked what exactly counted as one. Dinner? Meeting someone for the first time? She started to form an answer, laughed nervously and then abruptly stopped herself . “I'm not f****** answering this!” she said before joking that she was going to get kicked off the show. “My life is a mystery,” she added, making it clear that this was one part of herself she was not ready to share.
Cunningham has spoken openly about the qualities she wants in a husband
Cunningham also knows what she wants if someone does find the courage to approach her. She has said she would not date a man shorter than her because she wants a partner who can make her “feel smaller.” She prefers what she describes as a more masculine man and considers initiative, honesty and consistency essential.
A man who never texts first, refuses to organize a date, repeatedly makes excuses or acts secretive with his phone would quickly lose her interest. Most importantly, her Christian faith is at the center of her idea of marriage. She wants a husband who will bring her closer to Christ, lead their home and help their future children develop the same relationship with God.
The last relationship Cunningham publicly acknowledged was with former college athlete Jakob Neidig. In 2020 , she posted a photograph of him wearing her jersey and referred to him as her boyfriend, but the public posts eventually stopped and neither revealed why the relationship ended.
More recently, fans have connected her to Grand Canyon University athletic trainer Frank Adams after the two appeared together at basketball games, a bowling alley and other events. Still, neither has confirmed a romance.
Cunningham may share her humor, opinions and basketball life with the world, but when it comes to her heart, she decides exactly where the public line ends.
Why Sophie Cunningham attracts so much attention
Her physical appearance is undeniably part of her appeal . Cunningham's tall athletic figure, blonde hair, striking smile and confident game-day outfits regularly draw praise online, while her appearance in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue introduced her to an even larger audience.
But reducing her popularity to beauty would miss what supporters appear to value most. Fans see someone funny, authentic, loyal and completely comfortable being herself. ESPN reported that one of the messages she receives most often is, “In a world of bullies, be a Sophie.” Her teammates have called her a wild card and a fierce competitor whose energy changes practices and games.
She can be playful one moment and ready to defend someone she loves the next.
Sophie is comfortable playing in front of packed arenas, speaking her mind on controversial subjects and confronting anyone who goes after one of her teammates. Dating apparently makes her feel much less certain.
She believes she may project an intimidating presence, and it is not difficult to understand why. She is 6-foot-1, physically strong, successful, outspoken and accustomed to taking control. The same confidence that makes people admire her from afar may also keep some men from simply walking across the room and saying hello. And if introducing themselves already feels intimidating, imagine asking her out.
