Get to Know Natasha Howard: A WNBA Champion’s Journey Back to Indiana
Natasha Howard’s basketball journey is a testament to resilience, growth, and excellence. From her early days in Toledo, Ohio, to her triumphant return to the Indiana Fever in 2025, Howard’s career has been marked by significant achievements and impactful performances.
Early Life and College Career
Born on September 2, 1991, in Toledo, Ohio, Natasha Howard showcased her basketball prowess early on. At Waite High School, she led her team to a state runner-up finish in 2010 and was honored as Ohio Ms. Basketball the same year . Her outstanding high school performance earned her a spot at Florida State University, where she played from 2010 to 2014. During her collegiate career, Howard became the highest-ranked recruit in FSU women’s basketball history and earned multiple accolades, including First-Team All-ACC honors in 2013 and 2014 .
WNBA Career and Achievements
Howard was selected fifth overall in the 2014 WNBA Draft by the Indiana Fever. After two seasons with the Fever, she played for several teams, including the Minnesota Lynx, Seattle Storm, New York Liberty, and Dallas Wings. Her tenure with these teams was decorated with numerous achievements:
- 3× WNBA Champion: 2017 (Lynx), 2018 and 2020 (Storm)
- WNBA Defensive Player of the Year: 2019
- 2× WNBA All-Star: 2019, 2022
- All-WNBA First Team: 2019
- 2× WNBA All-Defensive First Team: 2018, 2019
- WNBA Most Improved Player: 2018 .
In the 2024 season with the Dallas Wings, Howard averaged 17.6 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game, demonstrating her continued excellence on the court .
Return to the Indiana Fever
In 2025, Howard made a heartfelt return to the Indiana Fever, the team that launched her WNBA career. Expressing her decision, she stated, “Me and family, we talked about it. I prayed about it. God actually put it in my heart to tell me, go back to where you started” . Her return brings veteran leadership to a young and promising Fever roster, including standout players like Caitlin Clark and Aliyah Boston.
Impact and Legacy
Natasha Howard’s journey reflects her dedication to the sport and her ability to adapt and excel across different teams and roles. Her defensive prowess, scoring ability, and leadership qualities have made her an invaluable asset to every team she’s been part of. As she continues her career with the Indiana Fever, fans and teammates alike look forward to the experience and skill she brings to the court.
