Cunningham's passion, toughness and authenticity make her a natural fit for one of America's fastest-growing coconut water brands

ORLANDO, Fla., Aug. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Once Upon A Coconut, the rapidly growing premium coconut water brand known for bringing personality, flavor and authenticity to the beverage aisle, today announced professional basketball player Sophie Cunningham as its newest teammate.

Known for her tenacious and fearless style of play, Cunningham has built a reputation that extends far beyond the basketball court. She competes with an unmistakable combination of confidence, resiliency and intensity.

"Sophie is everything we want this brand to represent," said John Chiorando, Founder and CEO of Once Upon A Coconut. "There is a toughness and resiliency to her, and at the same time, compassion and camaraderie. She can compete at the highest level and stand up for her teammates while always embracing who she is. That combination is rare. Most importantly, she doesn't try to be anybody other than herself. That authenticity is incredibly powerful."

The partnership represents a major step in Once Upon A Coconut's continued evolution from an emerging beverage company into a nationally recognized lifestyle brand. For a brand that's answered the challenge of "fixing coconut water," it's also grown as a product with purpose, donating 10% of its profits to charitable endeavors.

"I'm excited to be teaming up with Once Upon A Coconut, a brand committed to making healthy, great tasting coconut water," said Sophie Cunningham. "Their all-natural flavors and ingredients fit perfectly with my lifestyle and I'm proud to represent a brand so committed to giving back to the community."

Rather than approaching the Columbia, Missouri native as a traditional endorser, Once Upon A Coconut plans to make her an integral part of its personality and storytelling, as well as giving back through numerous community and charitable endeavors that both the company and she support. Consumers will see the former high-school All-American and collegiate standout across Once Upon A Coconut advertising, retail activations, digital and social campaigns, content, appearances and other national marketing initiatives.

"There are plenty of great athletes, but Sophie also has a unique way of bringing people together," Chiorando added. "For Once Upon A Coconut, the partnership also reflects a broader commitment to celebrating individuals who have the courage to be themselves, while still showing respect, love, and enjoying life."

The partnership will begin rolling out across Once Upon A Coconut platforms and retail initiatives this summer.

ABOUT ONCE UPON A COCONUT

Once Upon A Coconut is a premium coconut water company built around great taste, clean hydration and a belief that better-for-you beverages don't have to be boring. With a growing retail footprint and a lineup of refreshing coconut water products, Once Upon A Coconut is building a lifestyle brand centered around authenticity, positivity, resilience and having a little fun along the way.

For more information, visit Once Upon A Coconut online and follow the brand across its social channels.

MEDIA CONTACT

Once Upon A Coconut
Destiny John
420799@email4pr.com 
(919) 605-2116

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SOURCE Once Upon a Coconut