Sophie Cunningham re-signs with Phoenix Mercury

PHOENIX, Ariz. (KMIZ)

Former Mizzou hoops standout Sophie Cunningham will be continuing her WNBA career in Phoenix, after signing a multi-year deal on Friday.

Cunningham had a breakout season in 2022, which was her fourth year in the league. She was considered a top candidate for the Most Improved Player award, as she averaged career highs of about 12 points, four rebounds and one assist per game.

"Sophie is part of our core, now and for the future,” said Mercury General Manager Jim Pitman in a press release  “She has grown every year of her career and took a tremendous step forward as a player last year.  The joy in her play, her tenacity on the court, and her love of the Valley and the Mercury organization made re-signing her a priority for us.  She’s a fan favorite and she’s loved by teammates, coaches and staff who work with her every day."

Phoenix put Cunningham into a full-time starter position in June. After that switch, she went off for about 15 points, four rebounds and three made 3-pointers per game. Cunningham actually made 56 3-pointers after being named a starter, only the league-leader Kelsey Plum made more. The Columbia-native helped the Mercury to their 10th consecutive playoff appearance, as well.

Cunningham also currently holds the record for the longest streak of regular season games with two or more 3-pointers made in WNBA history, with 17 games.

Phoenix drafted Cunningham 13th overall in the 2019 WNBA Draft, after she finished her time at Mizzou. As Tiger fans know, she had an illustrious career in the black and gold. She finished her time in Columbia as the program's all-time leader in points and free throws, second in 3-pointers made, fourth in points per game and helped lead the program to four straight NCAA Tournament appearances.