Freeport’s Sophie Brunner was born to play basketball it seems. She excelled at Aquin and at Arizona State. Now she is making her way in the top women’s league on the planet the WNBA.

In just four years Brunner went from being a two-time state champion to now playing in the WNBA. It’s been less than a month in and Brunner says the WNBA has been everything she hoped for and more.

“It’s pretty cool. You get to learn from the pros every day. So you learn things about the game you never knew existed in basketball,” said Brunner Thursday night before her Phoenix Mercury squad took on the Chicago Sky in suburban Chicago.

Her first appearance in AllState Arena marked the first time she had seen her family and friends since late last year.

“I haven’t been home since Christmas, and I haven’t seen much of my family since then and my friends, so it’s been great to see everyone and I’m happy they’re coming out,” said Brunner.

These days the Freeport native doesn’t spend much time on the court during games. Brunner averages only four and a half minutes of action per game. That’s not what she is use to.

“Obviously not playing has been a challenge, but I get that I’m not ready right now to play at this level to play consistently, but I’m learning everything. I’m learning stuff everyday and I’m really enjoying and loving it.”

Brunner has the opportunity to learn from two of the game’s best in Diana Taurasi and Brittney Griner. Those two have meant a lot to her in just a short amount of time.

“They’re great mentors. They take time out of their day to help you, and they’ve just been there for us, so it’s just been very good.”

Brunner did not get into the game Thursday night, a game that the Mercury won 99-91 over the Chicago Sky. Brunner’s lack of playing time hasn’t affected her confidence. She says every day she gets positive reinforcement from her teammates and coaches.