Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham says she has hired security to accompany her at all times, a new step she disclosed after previously raising concerns about stalkers following her into daily life.
“I’ve definitely hired security,” Cunningham said on her “No Hesitation” podcast with basketball trainer Drew Hanlen. “And they’re going to start traveling with me actually next week, 24/7.”
Cunningham said the attention she receives has expanded far beyond places where basketball fans typically recognize her. “Now it’s like it doesn’t matter what state, what city,” she said. “It’s everywhere.”
The announcement follows an earlier appearance on Theo Von’s “This Past Weekend” podcast, where Cunningham said she believed the FBI was watching roughly 20 people over concerns connected to her. She did not name those individuals or explain how the agency became involved, and her account of the FBI’s role has not been independently verified.
In June, Indiana prosecutors charged a man named Kevin Singh with felony stalking and intimidation and misdemeanor harassment in a case involving Cunningham. Court documents cited by The Associated Press indicate Cunningham told investigators the unwanted contact had caused her nightmares and led her to stay home more often. The charges remain allegations.
On the podcast, Hanlen asked Cunningham how her rising profile has changed her everyday routine, noting that he, too, has received hostile messages because of his association with her. Cunningham said online critics carry “so much hatred in their heart,” but added that the bigger challenge has been protecting a normal routine.
“You have to kind of find a balance of getting away and making sure that you’re filling up your own cup,” Cunningham said.
She said she still signs autographs and takes photos with fans, but now asks people to wait until she has finished eating. “After I’m done eating, like I will sign whatever you want. I will take whatever picture you want,” she said. “But right when you say yes to one person, I’m not kidding. It’s like a revolving door. It is non-stop.”
Cunningham said even visits home can leave her feeling she spent more time with strangers than with family. “I would say the boundaries is probably the biggest thing that you have to learn,” she said.
Other comments from the episode
Cunningham also criticized the WNBA’s process for selecting players for its 3-point contest. Asked whether she would rather win that contest or “Dancing with the Stars,” she picked the television show while questioning whether her shooting would ever get her an invitation.
“I think with a three-point competition, it’s just like so clearly like political. They’re going to choose random people,” she said. “So, it doesn’t matter how good I do, I probably will never get chosen for that.”
Cunningham shot 41.9% from 3-point range during the 2026 regular season but was not among the six players picked for July’s contest; the league’s announcement noted all six selected players ranked in the top 10 in made 3-pointers entering play on July 21. Cunningham did not specify what she meant by “political” or name anyone she held responsible for the omission.
She also argued for tougher coaching of young female athletes after Hanlen suggested some coaches don’t push women as hard as men. “Bring back hard coaching,” Cunningham said, crediting demanding coaches who cared about their players and pushed them toward their potential.
“You can’t expect to be great and reach your fullest potential if you can’t handle someone correcting you,” Cunningham said. “I do think that coaches are too soft on athletes nowadays. Athletes, take the ownership. It’s okay for someone to chew your ass a little bit. That’s part of it because that’s what makes athletes great.”
