Sophie Cunningham: Martial Arts Background & Relationship Status
Sophie Cunningham is a well-known name in women’s basketball, currently a player for the Indiana Fever in the WNBA. But beyond her exploits on the court, there are interesting facets of her life that fans often ask about: her martial arts background, and whether she is in a romantic relationship. This article explores both in depth, drawing upon verified reports and recent statements.
Early Life and Basketball
-
Birth and Origins: Sophie Elizabeth Cunningham was born on August 16, 1996, in Columbia, Missouri, USA.
-
College Basketball: She played college ball for the University of Missouri Tigers from 2015 to 2019.
-
Professional Career: Drafted in 2019 (2nd round, 13th pick overall) by the Phoenix Mercury. In 2025, she was traded to the Indiana Fever.
Martial Arts: Taekwondo & Black Belt
One of the less commonly known but fascinating parts of Sophie Cunningham’s background is that she earned a black belt in taekwondo.
-
Age & Circumstances: She obtained her taekwondo black belt at the age of six.
-
Parental Influence: Her parents were involved; in fact, her parents were instructors. The story goes that the black belt was initially given “as a joke.”
-
Impact on Personality/Career: The discipline and physical training from martial arts may have contributed to her toughness, competitiveness, and physical conditioning, which are evident on the basketball court. While she has not publicly made martial arts her career focus, the early achievement is part of her identity. Sophie Cunningham martial arts.
Relationship Status: Does Sophie Cunningham Have a Boyfriend?
There has been quite a bit of public interest and rumor around Sophie Cunningham’s romantic life. Below is a summary of what is known, what she has said, and what is still unconfirmed.
What We Know
-
No confirmed current partner:
As of mid-2025, reports suggest that Sophie Cunningham does not have a boyfriend. -
Rumors and Lawsuit:
-
There was an allegation in a lawsuit that she had an affair with Josh Bartelstein, the CEO of the Phoenix Suns and Mercury.
-
Sophie denied these allegations, calling them “untrue and extremely hurtful.”
-
-
Public comments on preference:
Sophie has spoken in interviews/podcast appearances about what she looks for in a potential partner. For example, she mentioned preferring a “more manly man” and not someone who uses Botox.
What She Has Not Confirmed
-
She has not publicly confirmed any ongoing romantic relationship.
-
There are no credible sources confirming a boyfriend or partner at this time.
-
All rumors (e.g. about affairs) are currently either denied or remain unproven.
Putting It Together: What the Evidence Suggests
Given what is known:
-
Sophie Cunningham’s martial arts credentials are factual and part of her early life. Her black belt in taekwondo at age six is well-documented.
-
On the romantic front, as of 2025, reliable evidence indicates she is single, with no confirmed relationship. Rumours have circulated, especially from lawsuits, but she has publicly refuted them. Sophie Cunningham martial arts.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Here are some of the most common questions and answers about Sophie Cunningham’s martial arts background and relationship status.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Does Sophie Cunningham have a black belt? | Yes. She earned a black belt in taekwondo at about age six. |
| Is she still practicing martial arts? | There is no public information indicating she actively trains in martial arts currently. Her primary focus appears to be basketball and her WNBA career. |
| Why did she get a black belt at such a young age? | Her parents, who were instructors, gave it to her—partially as a joke. But it shows early exposure to discipline, training, and physical arts. |
| Does she have a boyfriend or partner? | As of now, there is no confirmed romantic partner. |
| Has she been linked to anyone romantically? | She was mentioned in a lawsuit alleging an affair with Josh Bartelstein, which she has denied. Rumors exist, but none have been verified. |
| What are her dating preferences? | She has stated she prefers “more of a manly man” and has made comments showing she does not prefer certain cosmetic alterations like Botox. |
Analysis: Why These Details Matter
-
Martial Arts & Identity: The fact Sophie has a black belt from an early age adds depth to her athletic profile. It reflects early discipline, physical awareness, and possibly built her mindset for competitive sports. Fans often appreciate such multidimensional backgrounds.
-
Public Curiosity & Social Media: High-profile athletes are frequently subject to curiosity about their personal lives. Rumors can spread fast; Sophie’s denial of allegations in the lawsuit shows how important reputation and clarity are for public figures.
-
Privacy vs. Publicity: Although many aspects of her life are public (sporting achievements, interviews), her romantic life remains mostly private. This is common among athletes who prefer to keep personal relationships out of the spotlight unless they choose otherwise.
Conclusion
Sophie Cunningham is best known as a strong basketball player—her WNBA achievements with Phoenix and now Indiana Fever are well-documented. But beyond basketball, she has an interesting martial arts background: earning a black belt in taekwondo at age six. Regarding her romantic life, there are no confirmed relationships as of mid-2025; rumors have circulated, but she has denied them and publicly stated she is single.
