Femininity in Basketball
WNBA Guard Sophie Cunningham Discusses Embracing the Sex Symbol Label
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Key Points
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Cunningham discussed the “sex symbol” label during an appearance tied to the launch of her new podcast, “The No Hesitation Show,” which replaced her earlier “Show Me Something” podcast; the new show is distributed by Colin Cowherd’s sports-media company, The Volume.
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Cowherd prefaced the question by emphasizing his respect for women who are both physically tough and traditionally feminine, citing his wife and daughters before asking Cunningham about the label.
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Cunningham had appeared in that year’s Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue alongside several other WNBA players, and her photoshoot became a subject of social-media memes, adding to the public attention surrounding her image.
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When Cowherd hesitated before saying “sex symbol,” Cunningham urged him to “Just say it,” then joked, “That is way better, I thought you were gonna go somewhere completely different,” illustrating her willingness to address the topic directly and humorously.
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Separately, in the first episode of her new podcast, Cunningham said that if she became WNBA commissioner, her first priority would be ensuring every team had a functional practice facility, noting that some teams practice in YMCA gyms while sharing courts with youth programs.
Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham says she embraces being called the WNBA's "sex symbol" — and sees no conflict between looking feminine and playing tough basketball TheVolume. During an interview with Colin Cowherd, Cunningham said she has always enjoyed dressing in dresses, heels, and styled outfits while competing at an elite level on the court.
The conversation touched on a larger debate about how women athletes are perceived. Cunningham pushed back against the idea that femininity and athletic competitiveness are incompatible, explaining that she rejects any forced choice between the two FadeAwayWorld.
Cunningham Addresses The Label Directly And With Humor
When Cowherd hesitated before using the phrase "sex symbol," Cunningham told him to "just say it" TheBigLead. She then joked she thought he was going to say something worse, showing her willingness to address the topic head-on without defensiveness or embarrassment.
Cowherd had prefaced his question by emphasizing his respect for women who are both physically tough and traditionally feminine, citing his own wife and daughters Yahoo. The framing suggested this was meant as a compliment rather than a critique.
The Visibility Spike From Sports Illustrated Feature
Cunningham appeared in that year's Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue alongside several other WNBA players TotalPro. The photoshoot and resulting social media attention amplified discussions about her public image and how she is portrayed in sports media.
Her style, confidence, and aggressive playing style have made her a prominent figure on social media platforms. Coverage of her popularity has sparked broader debate about how the WNBA and its athletes should be discussed in public conversations FadeAwayWorld.
New Podcast Launch Ties To The Interview
Cunningham's appearance with Cowherd was connected to the launch of her new podcast, "The No Hesitation Show," which replaced her earlier "Show Me Something" podcast TheVolume. The show is distributed through The Volume, Cowherd's sports-media company.
In the first episode of her new podcast, Cunningham revealed what she would prioritize if she became WNBA commissioner. She said her top goal would be ensuring every team has a functional practice facility, noting that some squads currently practice in YMCA gyms while sharing courts with youth programs FadeAwayWorld.
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