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I was a female athlete, now I fight for them in court. We need more Sophie Cunninghams
By Kristen Waggoner
Published August 04, 2026
Sports have played a crucial role throughout my life. Growing up, I ran cross-country and was coached by my dad in basketball, until I found my true love: volleyball. I loved being a setter to the point that I dreamed about making plays. It taught me the things a sport often does: willpower, loyalty, discipline and how to come back swinging when you get knocked down.
But what I remember most is simply how much I loved it. My obsession even dictated the college I chose, where a devastating injury broke my heart and ended my career. There’s one thing I feel obligated to tell you, though: I was never going to be a collegiate star.
I went to a small school, and I still stand today at my maximum height of 5 feet flat. What I lacked in stature, I assure you, I did not lack in heart. I was a scrappy competitor, and I took losses hard. (Some would say I still do.) I embraced every morning and late night, the bruises and broken bones — not because I was destined to be Division I, but simply because I loved it.
I gained friendships, grit, and drive I’m confident I wouldn’t have gained elsewhere. And I say this, admittedly, not as a promising up-and-comer, but just a girl who loved playing. I step into a different court these days, but I still carry the grit that women’s athletics gave me when I walk into a courtroom.
Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham points at Phoenix Mercury forward-guard DeWanna Bonner after an argument during a game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis on June 22, 2026. That image went viral. (USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect)
Enter Sophie Cunningham.
In a now-famous ESPN interview, the Indiana Fever star, who calls herself politically "very much in the middle," said she wants to protect young girls "who shouldn’t have to go against biological men." With that love, she added, comes truth.
After the media clutched their pearls over her saying biological sex is real, she doubled down, called it "common sense," and posted on Instagram saying, "I said what I said." No apology tour. No caveats. Just the truth, said twice for the people in the back. Her bold stand has sparked an important nationwide conversation in the days since and a whole gamut of supporters and detractors.
This is the courage aspiring female athletes need, especially in a league that partners with Girls in the Game, which says that one of its values is "moving beyond the binary of ‘girl.’" Tell that to the girl who sacrificed everything to reach the podium.
Women’s sports had a banner year. In two cases Alliance Defending Freedom litigated alongside the courageous leadership of Idaho Attorney General Raúl Labrador and West Virginia Attorney General JB McCuskey, the U.S. Supreme Court unanimously held that sex matters and that states can protect women’s sports under Title IX. That’s a win for every girl in those 27 states.
But what does this mean for Kallie Keeler in Washington, who had to report a sexual assault after competing against a male wrestler during a match? For Selina Soule, Chelsea Mitchell, Alanna Smith, and Ashley Nicoletti, still waiting for Connecticut to stand up for the girls who are losing to boys today? For girls in California forced to compete against biologically male athletes like AB Hernandez?
It means we’re coming for the 23 remaining states. A girl’s equal opportunity shouldn’t hinge on her ZIP code. Our daughters deserve better than lawyers who can’t define what a woman is — better than professional athletes with platforms who think it’s fine for men to steal the podium from the girls coming up behind them.
A fan holds an Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham sign during the first half between the Seattle Storm and the Indiana Fever at Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle, Wash., on July 28, 2026. (IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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And they deserve far better than a WNBA co-owner swearing at them for holding a sign that read, "Thank you, Sophie, for speaking up for girls!" The newly suspended Seattle Storm co-owner Celeste Keaton forgot that love tells the truth.
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But Sophie remembered. At the height of her career, she took a stand for truth while others chose cowardice. Speaking truth should be praised, not punished.
There are young girls who dream of being the next big star. And there are also girls who just love the game like I did. They all deserve fair play. Where are the women willing to stand up, inspire greatness, and tell the truth? Ladies, we’re pointing the finger at you.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM KRISTEN WAGGONER
https://www.foxnews.com/opinion/female-athlete-fight-court-need-more-sophie-cunninghams