Riley Gaines, former NCAA swimmer and host of “The Riley Gaines Show,” commended WNBA star Sophie Cunningham on Friday. Gaines praised Cunningham for speaking out against biological men competing in women’s sports, especially considering Cunningham competes in the WNBA, described by Gaines as the “most woke league of all time.”

Gaines highlighted the courage required for Cunningham’s stance, labeling her the “first current high-level female athlete” in a professional league to do so. “It’s incredibly difficult. It requires immense courage,” said Gaines.

If you’re Sophie Cunningham playing in the WNBA, it takes immense courage to say exactly what she did.

Earlier in the week, Cunningham expressed her views on transgender athletes in women’s sports to ESPN, stating, “I got a lot of negative feedback about me hating trans. And I’m like, ‘I never once said that.'” She emphasized love and honesty while asserting the protection of young girls in sports.

Her comments sparked support online from Republican lawmakers and women’s sports advocates, including Senators Ted Cruz and Eric Schmitt. Despite the controversy, Cunningham continues to stand by her opinion.

Gaines believes Cunningham’s motivation isn’t for praise, acknowledging the potential risk to Cunningham’s opportunities. “I don’t think Sophie is doing or saying what she does because she wants fame,” Gaines noted.

Jennifer Sey, CEO of XX-XY Athletics, expressed interest in signing Cunningham, describing her as the “perfect person” for the brand. Sey said Cunningham is not only a fantastic athlete but also has a great personality.

Sey connected with Cunningham following XX-XY Athletics’ “Dear Nike” ad, which challenged the sportswear giant regarding biological males in women’s sports. The ad gained over 10 million views, with Cunningham expressing her support for it on social media.