Natasha Howard Biography: Indiana Fever Forward, WNBA Champion & Defensive Player of the Year

Natasha Howard is an American professional basketball player who currently plays forward for the Indiana Fever in the WNBA. Known for her defensive dominance, scoring versatility, and championship pedigree, she is one of the league’s most decorated and impactful veterans.

Natasha-Howard
Natasha-Howard

Early Life and Background

  • Full Name: Natasha Howard

  • Date of Birth: September 2, 1991

  • Hometown: Toledo, Ohio

  • Height: 6’2″ (1.88 m)

  • Position: Forward

  • College: Florida State University

    • Led Seminoles to NCAA Tournament appearances

    • Finished sixth in the NCAA for field goal percentage

    • Two-time ACC All-Defensive Team

    • First-Team All-ACC (2013, 2014)

    • FSU’s all-time rebounds leader (1,047)

    • Second in school history with 1,811 career points

    • School record of 41 double-doubles

  • High School: Waite High School (Toledo, Ohio)

    • 2010 Ohio Ms. Basketball

    • McDonald’s All-American

    • Led team to state runner-up finish

Professional Career

WNBA

  • Drafted: 5th overall, 2014 WNBA Draft by Indiana Fever

  • Teams:

    • Indiana Fever (2014–2015, 2025–present)

    • Minnesota Lynx (2016–2017)

    • Seattle Storm (2018–2020)

    • New York Liberty (2021–2023)

    • Dallas Wings (2024)

  • Career Highlights:

    • Three-time WNBA champion (2017 with Minnesota, 2018 and 2020 with Seattle)

    • Two-time WNBA All-Star (2019, 2022)

    • WNBA Defensive Player of the Year (2019)

    • Two-time WNBA All-Defensive Team

    • All-WNBA First Team (2019)

    • WNBA Most Improved Player (2018)

    • Career highs: 36 points (2024), 16 rebounds (2019), 5 steals (2019), 3 blocks (2019)

    • Career averages: 11.5 points, 5.6 rebounds, 1.5 assists per game across 340+ games

    • Shooting: 47.6% field goal, 74.9% free throw, 36.1% three-point (career)

  • Recent Seasons:

    • 2024: Played for Dallas Wings, set career high of 36 points in a game

    • 2023–2024: Averaged 12.0 points, 8.4 rebounds, 2.2 assists per game

    • 2025: Signed with Indiana Fever, expected to provide veteran leadership and defensive presence

Achievements & Honors

  • Three-time WNBA champion (2017, 2018, 2020)

  • WNBA Defensive Player of the Year (2019)

  • Two-time WNBA All-Star (2019, 2022)

  • Two-time WNBA All-Defensive Team

  • All-WNBA First Team (2019)

  • WNBA Most Improved Player (2018)

  • Career high in points (36, 2024), rebounds (16, 2019), steals (5, 2019), blocks (3, 2019)

  • Over 340 regular-season games played

  • 2010 Ohio Ms. Basketball

  • McDonald’s All-American

  • Two-time ACC All-Defensive Team

  • First-Team All-ACC (2013, 2014)

  • FSU’s all-time rebounds leader (1,047)

  • Second in FSU history with 1,811 career points

  • School record of 41 double-doubles

Playing Profile

  • Strengths:

    • Elite defender and rebounder

    • Versatile scorer inside and out

    • High basketball IQ and leadership

    • Clutch performer in big games

  • Style:

    • Physical, athletic forward who excels in transition and half-court offense

    • Brings toughness, championship experience, and a team-first mentality

FAQs About Natasha Howard

What position does Natasha Howard play?
Forward

Which team does she play for?
Indiana Fever (WNBA)

How old is Natasha Howard?
33 (born September 2, 1991)

What are her main achievements?
Three-time WNBA champion, Defensive Player of the Year, two-time All-Star, All-WNBA First Team, Most Improved Player, over 340 WNBA games, Ohio Ms. Basketball, McDonald’s All-American, FSU all-time rebounds leader

What is her playing style?
Dominant, versatile forward with elite defense and scoring

Conclusion

Natasha Howard is a proven winner and defensive powerhouse whose career is highlighted by championships, individual honors, and consistent impact on both ends of the floor. Her leadership and experience make her a key addition to the Indiana Fever and a respected figure in women’s basketball.
(Age, statistics, and honors are as of June 2025.)