Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham defended her opposition to transgender women and girls competing in female sports, saying women’s athletics must continue protecting fairness and opportunities for female athletes.
Cunningham addressed the issue after an ESPN story renewed attention on her position. Asked to expand on her belief that young girls should not have to compete against biological males, she refused to retreat.
“I mean, I think I said what I said. I think it’s kind of common sense,” Cunningham told reporters.
She placed the welfare of children at the center of her stance and said female athletes deserve protection within the categories created for them.
“And so I stand on what I said. And I always believe that,” she said.
Cunningham did not say whether she plans to become a formal advocate. She described herself as someone who does not usually engage in politics, but made clear that criticism would not force her to abandon her beliefs.
“I’m not a very political person, but I do have beliefs. I have morals and I’ll always stand on those and be true to true to who I am,” she said.
Cunningham acknowledged that people would interpret her comments differently. She maintained that her concern remains focused on preserving female sports categories and defending the space women and girls have fought to build.
“And so when it comes just to protecting young girls in sport and women in sport, I feel very strongly about that,” she said.
Cunningham cited Title IX, the federal law that expanded opportunities for women and girls in education and athletics.
“I think that’s why you have Title IX. That’s why you have some of the greats in women’s sports,” she said.
Cunningham’s remarks mirror those of PGMN Anchor Kelley Day, who has likewise argued that transgender athletes competing in women’s sports raise concerns over fairness, safety and the integrity of female categories, while urging clearer eligibility rules.
Watch Kelley’s episode here: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1FCSjQQwXc/
