Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham said her Christian faith helps her stay steady amid praise and criticism. She discussed faith on the October 28 episode of comedian Theo Von's podcast, This Past Weekend. Cunningham, who also hosts the basketball podcast No Hesitation, said she grew up Catholic and now considers herself a nondenominational Christian.
Cunningham said her faith helps her stay morally grounded rather than letting fans or critics define her. "I rely on my faith," she said. She has also advocated sex-based eligibility standards in women's sports, which she called "common sense." That position has drawn demonstrators in North Texas.
Von said his busy schedule sometimes leaves him feeling spiritually distant, and that he feels more personally connected when he is "prayed up." Texas Rangers players also spoke about their faith at the club's Faith and Family Night in June. Former NFL quarterback Tim Tebow told about 1,500 people at a Council for Life luncheon in Dallas that faith should lead to service to vulnerable people.