Caitlin Clark’s Era of Being Bullied is Over: Indiana Fever Adds Key Veterans for Championship Run

By Madie Chandler | FeverBasketball.com

Caitlin Clark, a star player for the WNBA’s Indiana Fever, spent last season fighting through cheap shots, relentless fouls, and physical defenders who thought they could bully their way to stopping her. Those days of being targeted are officially over. This season, the Fever are bringing in veteran players with a reputation for playing tough and physical. Enter Natasha Howard, Sophie Cunningham, and DeWanna Bonner—three seasoned stars who are not afraid to get in the trenches and play with an edge. And those who used to try to bully Clark? Well, they’re in for a fight of their own.

Cunningham: Ready to be Part of Something Bigger in Indiana

When Sophie Cunningham arrived in Indiana via trade with the Phoenix Mercury this offseason, she knew exactly what she was walking into. The 6-year veteran, who spent all six of her previous seasons with the Mercury, is thrilled to be joining the Fever at a pivotal time in the team’s development. For Cunningham, the trade represents a new beginning and a shot at a championship.

“My original thought was like, ‘Oh heck yeah,’ like, we’re about to go win a championship,” Cunningham said Tuesday, reflecting on her new chapter with the Fever. “I have a lot of really great players around me to, you know, seriously, go win a championship.”

→ Swipe to see more articles

Related Posts

BREAKING: Kat Timpf’s Miraculous Comeback After Breast Cancer—Father’s Heartbreaking Lesson from Wife’s Battle Sparks Unbelievable Strength in Daughter’s Recovery! Fans in Awe of Powerful Father-Daughter Bond and Her Triumphant Return to Gutfeld!

Woman hits back at older people for judging tattooed body

BREAKING: Ashley St. Clair Accuses Elon Musk of Withdrawing Most of His Child Support to “Maintain Control and Punish” Her – Shocking Details That Will Leave Everyone Stunned!

😱 THE SECRET MEETING! Michael Jackson Meets Princess Diana and Prince Charles – What Happened During That Encounter Shocked the World! 👑🔥

SHOCKING MOMENT: Kat Timpf and Greg Gutfeld’s Mother’s Day Celebration Takes an Unexpected Turn—Their Children’s Heartwarming Interaction Leaves Parents in TEARS!

“SHOCKING REVEAL: Tyrus Opens Up About His Toughest Role Yet—Being a Father of Six! His Raw, Emotional Confession About Balancing Fame and Fatherhood Will Leave You Speechless!”

Her optimism and energy are infectious. Cunningham’s arrival marks a major step forward for the Fever, who are determined to build a championship contender. The trade sent NaLyssa Smith to Phoenix, but Cunningham’s versatility, shooting ability, and veteran presence will provide the Fever with the leadership and experience needed to compete at the highest level.

Cunningham’s impact goes beyond her individual skills. She is stepping into a leadership role, hoping to impart wisdom to her younger teammates, particularly Caitlin Clark. Cunningham’s experience playing alongside some of the game’s greats, including Diana Taurasi, has prepared her for this moment. She’s ready to pass on the lessons she’s learned to the Fever’s rising stars.

“Diana took me under her wing, and I’ve learned a lot from her,” Cunningham shared. “And now I hope to kind of do the same for Caitlin, if she wants it. I just think the relationship piece is huge, and when you’re trying to do something great, it takes everybody.”

The Fever’s Offseason Moves: Building a Championship Contender

Indiana’s front office, led by general manager Amber Cox and president Kelly Krauskopf, was deliberate in their offseason moves. The Fever made it clear they were serious about contending for a championship in the near future. After a successful return to the playoffs last season, they recognized the need for more experience and leadership on the roster. That’s where the acquisitions of Cunningham, Bonner, and Howard come in.

Together, Cunningham, Bonner, Howard, and Sydney Colson bring 43 seasons of combined experience to Indiana’s locker room. That includes seven WNBA championships. While Cunningham has not yet reached the pinnacle of success, her experience alongside future Hall of Famers has provided her with the knowledge needed to help lead a team to the top.

“Getting her [Bonner] was absolutely huge,” Cunningham said of her reunion with the veteran player. “She was one of my vets when I was a rookie coming in, and she’s no one to mess with… We just have a squad, and our depth is amazing.”

DeWanna Bonner’s leadership is invaluable. A two-time WNBA champion, Bonner brings a wealth of experience to the team. Having played with Cunningham during their time together in Phoenix, Bonner is well-positioned to continue mentoring her younger teammates. The familiarity between the two veteran players only strengthens the team’s foundation, adding another layer of cohesion to a locker room that is determined to bring a championship to Indiana.

Howard, who comes to Indiana after a successful stint with the Seattle Storm, is known for her toughness and defensive prowess. Her physicality and leadership will give the Fever another dimension, both on offense and defense. Her presence, alongside Cunningham and Bonner, creates a formidable veteran core that is poised to lead the team to greater heights.

Caitlin Clark: The Face of the Franchise

While Cunningham, Bonner, and Howard provide the veteran leadership that the Fever desperately needed, Caitlin Clark remains the face of the franchise. Clark, whose talent and potential were evident from the moment she stepped onto the court, is ready to take the next step in her career with the help of her new teammates.

For Clark, last season was one of both triumph and challenge. As the team’s lead guard, she had to endure cheap shots and constant physical play from defenders who were determined to take her out of the game. But Clark, known for her resilience and tenacity, fought through it all. And now, with the addition of three veteran players who are ready to play just as tough as she does, Clark can finally focus on what she does best: leading her team to victory.

“I’m excited about what this team can do,” Clark said. “We’ve got a lot of firepower, and I think we’ve built something special here.”

Clark’s shooting ability and scoring prowess are crucial to the Fever’s success, but with the added leadership from Cunningham, Bonner, and Howard, she no longer has to carry the weight of the team on her own. The depth and versatility of this roster will allow Clark to flourish, while also giving the Fever a chance to compete with the league’s best.

The Road to the Championship

The additions of Cunningham, Bonner, and Howard give the Fever the experience and physicality they need to contend for a championship. With a mix of youthful energy and veteran leadership, the team is well-positioned to make a deep run in the playoffs.

For Cunningham, the chance to compete for a championship with Indiana is a dream come true. After spending six seasons in Phoenix, she is ready to be part of something bigger and more impactful.

“Honestly, I think when you have a group that can let go of the egos, and you’re really just here to win and work hard, I think that’s the best type of group,” Cunningham said. “I think that’s what I’m most excited about. That’s my bread and butter, right there, is to outwork your opponents and have fun doing it.”

With the chemistry already building between the team’s veterans and younger players like Clark, the Fever’s potential is undeniable. The road to the championship may be long, but with the right mix of talent, experience, and leadership, the Fever are poised to compete with the best of them.

As the new season approaches, the Indiana Fever are a team to watch. They’ve built a roster full of talented and tough players, and with a championship mindset, they’re ready to make a deep playoff run. The era of Caitlin Clark being bullied is officially over—now it’s time for the Fever to show the world that they’re ready for a championship run.