Sophie Cunningham, one of the most decorated athletes in Missouri basketball history, has been inducted into the Mizzou Athletics Hall of Fame in her first year of eligibility. The Columbia native, who grew up just minutes from campus and starred at Rock Bridge High School, became a hometown hero long before stepping on the college hardwood. A McDonald’s All-American and four-time state champion, she arrived at the University of Missouri in 2015 with immense expectations and exceeded every one of them.
As a freshman, Cunningham made an immediate mark, earning SEC Freshman of the Year honors after averaging 14 points per game while shooting nearly 50% from the floor. She helped lead the Tigers to the NCAA tournament for the first time in a decade, beginning a run of four consecutive appearances during her career.
By her senior season, Cunningham was among the nation’s elite players, averaging 17.8 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 2.8 assists. She achieved a rare statistical milestone as the only NCAA player that year to record at least 17 points per game, 80 three-pointers, 150 free throws, and 200 rebounds. Her impact went beyond numbers her fiery competitiveness and leadership helped put Missouri women’s basketball on the national map.
When she graduated in 2019, Cunningham left as Mizzou’s all-time leading scorer with 2,187 points, as well as the program’s career leader in free throws made (537). She still ranks among the top five in multiple categories, including three-pointers, field goals, and assists.
Cunningham went on to become a first-round WNBA draft pick, spending six seasons with the Phoenix Mercury before being traded to the Indiana Fever in 2025. Her induction into Mizzou’s Hall of Fame cements her legacy as one of the greatest athletes ever to wear black and gold.
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