As the WNBA season draws near, Sophie Cunningham shares her emotional response to Kelsea Ballerini’s song.

As the WNBA season approaches, many players are gearing up for the challenges, both physically and mentally, that the grueling season will inevitably bring. For Sophie Cunningham, a rising star with the Phoenix Mercury, the anticipation of the season is mixed with personal reflections and emotional moments that help fuel her passion for basketball. This season, however, there is one thing that has stood out more than most—the emotional connection she has developed with Kelsea Ballerini’s music, particularly one song that resonates deeply with her.

In a candid moment shared on social media, Cunningham opened up about her emotional response to one of Ballerini’s songs. It wasn’t just the music itself, but the lyrics, the melody, and the emotions that were intertwined with her journey—both on and off the court. As the season nears, this connection with the song has provided Cunningham with a unique sense of perspective and motivation as she prepares for another year of professional basketball.

The Rise of Sophie Cunningham in the WNBA

Before diving into Cunningham’s personal connection with Kelsea Ballerini’s music, it’s important to understand the context of her career and where she is in her journey in the WNBA. Sophie Cunningham, originally from Columbia, Missouri, has been a standout player throughout her basketball career. A member of the Phoenix Mercury since being drafted in 2019, Cunningham’s tenacity, shooting ability, and basketball IQ have helped establish her as a key contributor to the team.

However, the path to the WNBA has not always been easy. Cunningham faced numerous challenges along the way, from navigating injuries to the pressures of being a young player on a talented team. But through it all, she remained committed to improving herself and becoming one of the league’s most consistent and reliable players. Her grit and resilience have been a defining feature of her career, and as the new season draws closer, she is poised to continue making a mark in the WNBA.

However, there is more to Cunningham than her on-court persona. Behind the fierce competitor is a young woman with depth, who understands the emotional toll that such a high-profile career can have. Like many athletes, she grapples with the balance between being a public figure and a private individual. It is this duality that makes Cunningham’s connection to music—particularly Kelsea Ballerini’s work—so poignant.

Kelsea Ballerini: An Artist Who Speaks to the Heart

Kelsea Ballerini has been a dominant force in country music for years. Known for her vulnerability, authenticity, and ability to blend pop and country influences, Ballerini’s music resonates deeply with listeners. Her songs often explore themes of love, heartbreak, self-discovery, and resilience, making them relatable to people from all walks of life. For athletes like Sophie Cunningham, the raw emotional quality of Ballerini’s music provides a source of comfort and reflection.

Ballerini’s songs are not just catchy tunes or well-produced tracks; they are narratives that speak to the human experience. For Cunningham, a rising star in the WNBA, Ballerini’s music serves as a source of inspiration and emotional release. The connection to the music is something that can transcend the competitive nature of the sport and touch on the personal aspects of Cunningham’s life that sometimes go unnoticed.

The Song That Captured Cunningham’s Heart

While Sophie Cunningham has spoken about her emotional reaction to several songs by Kelsea Ballerini, one in particular has captured her heart and become a source of strength as she prepares for the new season. This song—an anthem of self-empowerment, vulnerability, and acceptance—has become a constant presence in Cunningham’s playlist. The song’s lyrics, which speak to the challenges of pursuing one’s dreams and the inevitable moments of doubt, reflect Cunningham’s own experiences as a young woman trying to make her mark in a highly competitive and demanding sport.

When Cunningham shared her emotional response to the song on social media, it wasn’t just about how the music made her feel—it was about how the song reflected her journey. The lyrics seemed to echo the highs and lows she has experienced throughout her career, the moments of triumph and struggle, and the constant balancing act of being both an athlete and a human being. She mentioned in her post that the song had become a sort of anthem for her, one that reminds her of the strength she has even when the road ahead seems uncertain.

For Cunningham, the song provides an emotional release that helps her process the pressures of the upcoming season. In a sport where performance is scrutinized, and expectations are high, the song serves as a reminder to stay grounded and connected to her own emotions. It’s a subtle but powerful tool for mental and emotional wellness—something many athletes find necessary to navigate the pressures of professional sports.

Music as Motivation and Inspiration

Music has always played a significant role in the lives of athletes. From creating pre-game playlists to using music as a means of emotional expression, the connection between sports and music is undeniable. For Sophie Cunningham, Kelsea Ballerini’s song has become a personal motivator, providing her with the emotional resilience she needs as she enters the new season.

In many ways, music offers a form of therapy for athletes, helping them release emotions that may otherwise be suppressed due to the intense focus on performance. For Cunningham, this song is not only a source of strength but also a reminder that she is not alone in her journey. It’s a reminder that vulnerability, reflection, and emotional growth are just as important as physical performance on the court.

As the WNBA season begins, Cunningham will undoubtedly face challenges. She’ll encounter moments of doubt and frustration, but the song will serve as a constant reminder that she has the inner strength to overcome them. Whether she’s on the court or off, the message of the song—resilience in the face of adversity—will continue to fuel her.

The Impact of Kelsea Ballerini’s Song on Sophie Cunningham’s Mindset

As the season draws near, Cunningham’s emotional connection to Ballerini’s song goes beyond personal reflection; it shapes her mindset as she prepares for the battles on the court. In a recent interview, Cunningham spoke about how the song has influenced her mental approach to the game. She explained that, just like the lyrics of the song, her journey in basketball is filled with ups and downs, and it’s important to acknowledge and embrace both.

The song’s focus on resilience, pushing through the difficult times, and staying true to oneself mirrors Cunningham’s approach to her career. She understands that every season brings challenges—whether it’s competing against other talented players, facing injuries, or dealing with the mental fatigue that comes with being a professional athlete. The song’s message of self-empowerment reminds her to stay grounded and focused, not only on her physical abilities but also on her emotional and mental strength.

As a young player in the WNBA, Cunningham is still developing her sense of self and her identity within the league. The emotional connection to the song allows her to embrace the uncertainties of her career, knowing that the road ahead will not always be easy. But with resilience, she can weather any storm and rise to the occasion.

As the 2025 WNBA season approaches, Sophie Cunningham’s emotional connection to Kelsea Ballerini’s song serves as a powerful reminder of the human side of professional athletes. Beyond the intense training, the game-day preparations, and the competitive pressures, there is a deeper emotional journey that every athlete undergoes. For Cunningham, the song is not just a piece of music—it’s a source of motivation, a tool for emotional wellness, and a reminder of her inner strength.

The emotional connection she has with Ballerini’s song highlights the importance of mental and emotional health in sports. It’s a reminder that athletes, just like everyone else, have moments of vulnerability, self-doubt, and reflection. But through music, motivation, and resilience, they can overcome these challenges and continue to strive for greatness.

As the WNBA season nears, Sophie Cunningham will take to the court with a renewed sense of purpose, empowered by the music that has helped her navigate her personal and professional journey. And as fans, we can only hope that her connection to that song continues to inspire not only her but also others who may be facing their own battles in life and sport.