Hubbry Logo
Natasha HowardNatasha HowardMain
Open search
Natasha Howard
Community hub
Natasha Howard
logo
8 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Natasha Howard
Natasha Howard
Natasha Howard
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

Natasha Howard (born September 2, 1991) is an American professional basketball player for the Indiana Fever of the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA).[1] Howard was the 2019 WNBA Defensive Player of the Year.[2] She was drafted in 2014 by the Fever.[3][4] Born in Toledo, Ohio, she played college basketball for Florida State University, where she finished sixth in the NCAA for field goal percentage.[5]

Key Information


Professional career

[edit]

WNBA

[edit]
Howard in 2016
Howard in 2019

Howard was selected 5th overall by the Indiana Fever in the 2014 WNBA draft.[6] Howard started off the 2014 season hot scoring 16 points and 21 points in her first two games as a professional. The 21 point performance was a career high in points. Howard averaged 7.0 points and 3.1 rebounds per game in her rookie season in Indiana.[7]

During her second season with Indiana, Howard regressed in both points and rebounding, averaging 4.2 points and 2.6 rebounds. The only times that Howard scored in double figures were an August 4 loss to the Chicago Sky, when she scored 13 points, and on a September 1 win against the Connecticut Sun, when she scored 10 points. During her second season, the Fever reached the WNBA Finals, where they faced off against the Minnesota Lynx. The Fever ultimately lost the series 3–2, but Howard didn't miss a single shot throughout the entire Finals, going 8 for 8 from the floor in five games and 3 for 3 free throws.[8]

On February 2, 2016, the Fever traded Howard to the Minnesota Lynx in a sign-and-trade deal to acquire Devereaux Peters.[9]

During her first season with the Lynx, Howard was part of the post rotation that included Sylvia Fowles, Rebekkah Brunson, and Janel McCarville. She became a key contributor off the bench for the Lynx the entire season. In her first game against Indiana since the trade, Howard scored 11 points, on 5–5 shooting, and grabbed 3 rebounds. She matched her career high of 21 points in a July 2 win against the San Antonio Stars. Howard, once again, reached the WNBA Finals for a 2nd consecutive season, although the Lynx fell to the Los Angeles Sparks 3 games to 2.

In her second season with the Lynx, Howard continued with her bench role, contributing with her scoring and rebounding, helping the Lynx back to championship contention. The Lynx returned to the Finals, making it Howard's third appearance in the finals. This time, in a finals rematch against the Sparks, the Lynx won 3 games to 2, earning Howard her first championship.

On February 7, 2018, Howard was traded to the Seattle Storm in exchange for a second round pick in the 2018 WNBA draft.[10] In the 2018 season, Howard would be the starting power forward for the Storm. She would have the best season of her career in Seattle as she averaged career-highs in scoring, blocks, rebounds, assists and steals. Howard would also be named to the WNBA All-Defensive First Team and was second in the league in blocks. The Storm finished with a league-best 26–8 record. They would receive a double-bye to the semi-finals. In the semi-finals series, the Storm would defeat the Phoenix Mercury in five games advancing to the Finals, making this Howard's fourth consecutive finals appearance. In the Finals, the Storm would defeat the Washington Mystics in a three-game sweep. In Game 3, Howard scored a new career-high 29 points along with 14 rebounds.[11]

In 2019, Howard would have a breakout season. She would be voted into the 2019 WNBA All-Star Game, making it her first all-star appearance. On July 17, 2019, Howard scored a new career-high 33 points in a 90–79 victory over the Minnesota Lynx.[12] Howard would finish the season average a new career-high in scoring, rebounds, assists and steals. She was made a WNBA All-Star and named to the WNBA All-Defensive First Team for the second time while also winning the WNBA Defensive Player of the Year Award. The Storm finished as the number 6 seed with an 18–16 record. The Storm, however, could not defend their title in the playoffs as they were eliminated in the second-round elimination game by the Los Angeles Sparks.

In 2020, the season was delayed and shortened to 22 games in a bubble at IMG Academy due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Howard played all 22 games, the Storm had a fully active roster with everyone healthy and available as they finished the season 18–4 with the number 2 seed, receiving a double-bye to the semi-finals. In the playoff semi-finals they defeated the Minnesota Lynx in a three-game sweep, going back to the Finals for the second time in three years. In the Finals, the Storm swept the Las Vegas Aces to win the series, earning Howard her third WNBA championship.

In 2021, Howard was acquired by the New York Liberty in a three-team trade deal.[13]

In January 2023, Howard was traded to the Dallas Wings in a three-team deal.[14]

Howard signed a one-year $214,666 contract with the Indiana Fever as a free agent on February 2, 2025.[15][16][17] Bringing Howard back to Indiana was one of the priorities for the Fever's front office, which had been completely restructured after the 2024 season.[18]

Overseas

[edit]

Before her first WNBA season, Howard played in Israeli League for Elitzur Ramla in the 2014–15 off-season.

Career statistics

[edit]
Legend
  GP Games played   GS  Games started  MPG  Minutes per game  RPG  Rebounds per game
 APG  Assists per game  SPG  Steals per game  BPG  Blocks per game  PPG  Points per game
 TO  Turnovers per game  FG%  Field-goal percentage  3P%  3-point field-goal percentage  FT%  Free-throw percentage
 Bold  Career best ° League leader
† Denotes seasons in which Howard won a WNBA championship

Regular season

[edit]

Stats current through end of 2025 season

WNBA regular season statistics[19]
Year Team GP GS MPG FG% 3P% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG TO PPG
2014 Indiana 34 15 17.0 .443 .000 .594 3.1 0.6 0.8 0.6 1.5 7.0
2015 Indiana 30 2 11.4 .379 .000 .721 2.6 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.9 4.2
2016 Minnesota 34 1 14.6 .574 .200 .677 3.6 0.8 0.7 0.7 1.1 6.7
2017† Minnesota 34 0 11.7 .484 .214 .733 2.4 0.7 0.5 0.6 0.7 4.3
2018† Seattle 34 33 25.6 .547 .327 .798 6.4 1.0 1.2 1.9 1.8 13.2
2019 Seattle 34 34 31.3 .439 .308 .810 8.2 2.1 2.2 1.7 2.9 18.1
2020† Seattle 22 22 21.0 .530 .350 .778 7.1 1.0 1.7 0.6 2.1 9.5
2021 New York 13 13 27.5 .494 .333 .774 7.2 1.7 1.3 0.5 3.8 16.2
2022 New York 35 35 29.9 .482 .326 .715 7.3 2.3 1.3 1.0 3.2 15.1
2023 Dallas 39 39 33.1 .458 .299 .815 8.0 2.6 1.3 1.2 2.8 16.5
2024 Dallas 27 26 30.6 .456 .200 .718 6.7 2.9 1.3 0.8 3.1 17.6
2025 Indiana 44 44 24.1 .552 .182 .712 6.6 1.5 1.2 0.6 1.9 11.4
Career 12 years, 5 teams 380 264 23.1 .483 .290 .745 5.7 1.5 1.1 0.9 2.1 11.5
All-Star 2 1 19.0 .529 .500 — 4.0 1.0 0.5 0.0 1.0 11.0

Playoffs

[edit]
WNBA playoff statistics
Year Team GP GS MPG FG% 3P% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG TO PPG
2014 Indiana 4 0 3.7 .167 .000 1.000 1.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.5 1.0
2015 Indiana 9 0 7.1 .917 .000 1.000 0.6 0.3 0.3 0.1 0.5 2.8
2016 Minnesota 8 0 13.0 .700 .000 .429 2.6 0.6 0.8 0.1 0.7 5.6
2017† Minnesota 7 0 5.6 .200 .000 .800 0.9 0.0 0.2 0.0 0.5 1.1
2018† Seattle 8 8 31.5 .573 .500 .850 8.3 1.5 1.0 1.3 2.2 15.8
2019 Seattle 2 2 28.8 .400 .429 .750 9.0 4.0 2.0 1.5 2.0 11.0
2020† Seattle 6 6 23.0 .548 .500 .772 5.2 1.5 1.2 0.8 1.5 9.5
2021 New York 1 1 31.0 .438 .500 .000 10.0 2.0 1.0 1.0 3.0 16.0
2022 New York 3 3 27.7 .442 .100 1.000 6.7 1.0 0.7 0.0 2.0 14.7
2023 Dallas 5 5 34.2 .634 .350 .833 8.4 2.2 1.6 1.4 3.4 12.0
2025 Indiana 8 8 24.4 .484 .000 .813 6.3 2.0 0.6 0.1 2.1 9.4
Career 11 years, 5 teams 61 33 18.9 .497 .333 .797 4.5 1.1 0.8 0.5 1.5 7.9

College

[edit]
NCAA statistics[20]
Year Team GP GS MPG FG% 3P% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG TO PPG
2010–11 Florida State 32 32 25.5 .460 .368 .549 6.6 0.8 1.1 0.7 3.1 10.6
2011–12 31 31 30.2 .487 .190 .615 9.1 1.4 1.5 1.3 3.1 12.2
2012–13 33 31 26.8 .486 .000 .612 7.5 0.7 1.8 1.5 2.4 12.7
2013–14 33 33 31.2 .594 — .650 9.3 0.5 2.1 2.3 2.7 20.5
Career 129 127 28.4 .516 .313 .617 8.1 0.9 1.6 1.4 2.8 14.0

Personal life

[edit]

Howard is married to Jac’Eil Duckworth Howard, and their wedding was shown as part of the 11th season of Basketball Wives.[21][22]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Natasha Howard

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Natasha Howard (born September 2, 1991) is an American professional basketball player who plays as a forward for the of the (WNBA). She stands 6 feet 3 inches (1.91 m) tall and weighs 175 pounds (79 kg). Drafted fifth overall by the in the first round of the out of , Howard has played 12 seasons in the league across five teams and is a three-time WNBA champion (2017 with the , 2018 and 2020 with the ). Her accolades include the 2019 WNBA Defensive Player of the Year award, the 2018 Most Improved Player award, two WNBA All-Star selections (2019, 2022), and the 2025 Commissioner's Cup MVP. Born in , Howard developed her skills at Morrison R. Waite High School, where she averaged 24.7 points and 11 rebounds per game as a senior in 2010, leading her team to a state runner-up finish and earning Ms. Basketball honors. At from 2010 to 2014, she appeared in all 137 games for the Seminoles, averaging 10.7 points and 6.2 rebounds per game over her college career, and received WBCA Honorable Mention All-American recognition in her senior year. Her collegiate performance, including a standout senior season with 14.1 points and 7.3 rebounds per game, positioned her as a top draft prospect known for her defensive prowess and versatility. Howard began her WNBA career with the Indiana Fever from 2014 to 2015 before being traded to the Minnesota Lynx in 2016, where she contributed to their 2017 championship win, averaging 12.4 points and 6.3 rebounds in the regular season. Joining the Seattle Storm in 2018, she earned Most Improved Player honors that year and played a key role in back-to-back championships in 2018 and 2020, culminating in her 2019 Defensive Player of the Year award after averaging 1.7 blocks per game (third in the league) and earning All-WNBA First Team and All-Defensive First Team selections. She then moved to the New York Liberty for the 2021–2022 seasons, where she made her second All-Star appearance in 2022 with 15.1 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 1.3 steals per game, before signing with the Dallas Wings in 2023 and 2024 and returning to the Fever in 2025. Over her career, Howard has averaged 11.5 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 1.5 assists in 380 regular-season games, establishing herself as one of the league's premier defenders and versatile forwards.

Early life and education

Early life

Natasha Howard was born on September 2, 1991, in . She was raised by her single mother, Latasha Howard, who worked two jobs to support the family amid financial hardships. Latasha's resilience and dedication provided a strong foundation, compensating for limited resources with unwavering support and emphasis on perseverance. Details on her biological father remain limited in public records. Howard's early exposure to basketball came through her uncle, Greg Howard, who motivated her with small rewards for dribbling practice, igniting her interest despite initial reluctance. The local Toledo environment, with its community basketball culture, further shaped her athletic path, while family encouragement helped overcome childhood challenges like economic struggles. Later, her high school coach Howard Hicks emerged as a significant , guiding her development.

High school career

Natasha Howard attended Morrison R. Waite High School in , from 2006 to 2010. During her senior year, she averaged 24.7 points, 11 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game in the regular season. Howard led the Waite Indians to a state runner-up finish in the 2010 Ohio High School Athletic Association girls tournament, marking the team's first appearance in the state semifinals since 1983. For her performance, she was named the 2010 Ohio Ms. Basketball by the Associated Press. Howard was also ranked as the No. 2 national recruit in the class of 2010 by ESPN HoopGurlz. Following her high school career, she signed a national letter of intent to play college basketball at Florida State University.

College career

Natasha Howard enrolled at in 2010, becoming the highest-ranked recruit in the program's history as the No. 2 overall player in the 2010 signing class according to HoopGurlz rankings. Her high school achievements as Ohio's Ms. Basketball facilitated this recruitment to the Seminoles. As a in the 2010–11 season, Howard served primarily as a reserve forward, appearing in all 32 games while averaging 10.6 points and 6.6 rebounds per game. She earned All-ACC Team honors and was named a Third Team All-American by Full Court Press, showcasing her versatility as a 6-3 swing forward early in her college tenure. Howard broke out as a in 2011–12, starting all 31 games and leading the ACC in rebounding during regular-season play with 9.4 per game, while recording 12 double-doubles. She averaged 12.2 points and 9.1 rebounds overall, earning third-team All-ACC honors for her contributions to the Seminoles' frontcourt. In her junior year of 2012–13, Howard transitioned into a more consistent starting role, averaging 12.7 points and 7.5 rebounds across 33 games as the Seminoles advanced to the NCAA Tournament. She helped anchor Florida State's defense, which contributed to the team's postseason appearance, while continuing to develop her scoring efficiency. Howard's senior season in 2013–14 marked her emergence as a dominant force, starting all 33 games and averaging 20.5 points and 9.3 rebounds, including a school-record 15 double-doubles. She delivered multiple 20-plus point performances, such as 27 points and 18 rebounds against in and 30 points with 16 rebounds in the ACC Tournament semifinal against the same opponent. One of her standout games came on January 23 against , where she recorded 28 points and a career-high 22 rebounds in an 85-77 overtime loss, becoming the first ACC player since 2008 to achieve a 20-20 performance. In the NCAA Tournament, Florida State reached the second round, where Howard recorded her 41st career with 10 points and 13 rebounds in a first-round win over Iowa State before a second-round loss to Stanford. Over her four-year career from 2010 to 2014, Howard amassed 1,811 points and 1,047 rebounds, setting school records with 41 double-doubles and ranking second all-time in scoring and sixth in rebounds at Florida State. Her evolution from a promising reserve to a starting leader propelled the Seminoles to three NCAA appearances, solidifying her legacy as a cornerstone of the program's resurgence. In November 2025, Florida State retired her No. 33 jersey.

Professional career

WNBA career

Howard was selected fifth overall by the in the out of . As a in 2014, she contributed off the bench, averaging 7.0 points and 3.1 rebounds per game while appearing in all 34 regular-season games for the Fever. In her sophomore season of 2015, her role diminished to 11.4 minutes per game, but she remained a versatile forward before being traded. On February 2, 2016, the Fever traded Howard to the in a for forward Devereaux Peters. With the in 2016 and 2017, she provided depth in the frontcourt and was part of their 2017 WNBA championship team, contributing key minutes in the playoffs. Howard was then traded to the on February 7, 2018, in exchange for draft picks and players, marking a pivotal shift in her career. During her tenure with the Storm from 2018 to 2020, she helped secure back-to-back championships in 2018 and 2020, emerging as a defensive anchor and versatile scorer in their title runs. Her performance peaked in 2019, when she made her WNBA debut while averaging 14.7 points and 6.5 rebounds per game. Howard joined the via trade from on February 10, 2021, bringing championship experience to the rebuilding franchise. She spent two seasons with the (2021–2022), earning her second selection in 2022, where she posted averages of 15.1 points and 7.3 rebounds per game. On January 16, 2023, she was traded to the in a three-team deal involving the , where she played through the 2024 season as a starter and leader in the frontcourt. After entering free agency following the 2024 season, Howard signed a one-year contract with the on February 3, 2025, returning to her original team as a veteran mentor. In 2025, she averaged 11.4 points and 6.6 rebounds per game across 44 regular-season appearances, serving as a stabilizing force for the young Fever roster and contributing to their Commissioner's Cup success and playoff semifinal appearance. Beyond the court, Howard took on added visibility as an Athlete Correspondent for EssentiallySports during the 2025 WNBA Weekend, sharing insights and behind-the-scenes content. Throughout her WNBA career spanning 12 seasons, Howard has appeared in over 380 regular-season games, maintaining consistent double-digit scoring averages in multiple campaigns while adapting to various roles across five teams.

Overseas career

Prior to her WNBA debut, Howard played for Elitzur in the Israeli League during the 2014–15 season, marking her first professional stint overseas as an player contributing scoring and rebounding in a competitive European environment. Following her rookie WNBA year, she joined Yakın Doğu Üniversitesi in the Turkish Women's League for the 2015–16 and 2016–17 seasons, where she helped the team secure a Turkish League championship in 2017 and established herself as a dominant forward, often leading in points and rebounds during shorter overseas campaigns that supplemented her WNBA income. In the 2016–17 offseason, Howard also competed for Samsung Life Blue Minx in South Korea's WKBL, averaging 15.2 points and 8.9 rebounds per game across 17 appearances, adapting to the league's fast-paced style as a key . Howard expanded her international resume with stints in Russia and China, signing with Dynamo Kursk for the 2018–19 Russian Premier League season and returning in 2021–22, where she averaged 19 points and 11 rebounds in 14 EuroLeague Women games during the latter, showcasing her versatility as a power forward in high-stakes European competition. In 2018–19, she played for Xinjiang Magic Deer in China's WCBA, serving as a scoring leader and rebounder in the import role typical of Asian leagues, though the team did not capture a title that year. She briefly joined Umana Reyer Venezia in Italy's Serie A1 for the 2020–21 season, averaging 13 points and 5.4 rebounds in seven EuroCup Women contests before transitioning to more prominent Turkish roles. Returning to Turkey, Howard signed with Fenerbahçe Alagöz Holding for the 2022–23 and 2023–24 seasons, contributing to two consecutive Turkish League championships (2023 and 2024) and two EuroLeague Women titles (2023 and 2024), where she earned Finals MVP honors in the 2024 Turkish League playoffs with an 18-point, 12-rebound performance in the clincher. Her impact included being named to the Eurobasket.com Turkish KBSL All-Imports Team in 2024, highlighting her role as a star import averaging double-doubles in points and rebounds. In the 2024–25 season, Howard moved to Çukurova Basketbol Kulübü Mersin (CBK Mersin) in the Turkish KBSL, leading the team with 19.2 points and 10.8 rebounds per game en route to winning the 2025 Turkish Cup, further solidifying her legacy in European basketball while balancing commitments ahead of her 2025 WNBA return with the Indiana Fever.

Career statistics

WNBA regular season

Natasha Howard's WNBA regular season career spans from 2014 to 2025, during which she demonstrated steady progression from a bench contributor to a versatile forward capable of anchoring both scoring and rebounding efforts for multiple franchises. Early in her career with the , she averaged modest outputs around 4-7 points per game while developing her defensive presence. Her performance elevated significantly after joining the in 2018, where she emerged as a double-digit scorer and elite rebounder, peaking at 18.1 points and 8.2 rebounds per game in 2019. Subsequent stints with the and saw her maintain high productivity, including a career-high 17.6 points per game in 2024, before returning to in 2025 for a balanced 11.4 points and 6.6 rebounds over 44 games. This evolution highlights her adaptability, with consistent improvements in efficiency and playmaking, particularly in rising to 48.5% career-wide. Howard's statistical peaks underscore her impact across teams, notably with where she achieved her highest scoring and blocking averages, and with where she excelled in assists. Her rebounding remained a hallmark, never dipping below 5.3 per game in full seasons post-2018, reflecting her physicality at 6 feet 2 inches. In 2025 with , she contributed reliably in a supporting role, aligning with her career trajectory of prioritizing team success over individual volume.

Year-by-Year Regular Season Statistics

SeasonTeamGGSMPFG%3P%FT%RPGAPGSPGBPGPPG
2014IND341516.9.443.000.5943.10.60.80.77.0
2015IND30211.4.379.000.7212.60.40.40.44.2
2016MIN34114.6.574.200.6773.60.80.70.86.7
2017MIN34011.7.484.214.7332.40.70.50.64.3
2018SEA343325.6.547.327.7986.41.01.32.013.2
2019SEA343431.4.439.308.8108.22.12.21.718.1
2020SEA222221.0.530.350.7787.11.01.70.69.5
2021NYL131327.5.494.333.7747.21.71.30.516.2
2022NYL353529.9.482.326.7157.32.31.31.015.1
2023DAL393933.1.458.299.8158.02.61.31.216.5
2024DAL272630.6.456.200.7186.72.91.30.817.6
2025IND444424.1.552.182.7126.61.51.20.611.4
Career37626623.2.485.286.7476.01.51.11.011.9
Note: Table includes key per-game averages; full advanced metrics available on source page.

Career Regular Season Per-Game Averages

Over 376 games from 2014 to 2025, Howard averaged 23.2 minutes, 11.9 points, 6.0 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.1 steals, and 1.0 blocks per game, shooting 48.5% from the field. Her career totals include 4,457 points, 2,073 rebounds, and 541 assists across all teams.

Team-Specific Regular Season Totals

  • Indiana Fever (2014–2015, 2025): 108 games, 1,290 points (high of 11.4 PPG in 2025), 696 rebounds.
  • (2016–2017): 68 games, 420 points, 405 rebounds.
  • (2018–2020): 90 games, 1,472 points (career-high team scoring average of 13.6 PPG), 935 rebounds, 157 blocks.
  • (2021–2022): 48 games, 740 points, 703 rebounds.
  • (2023–2024): 66 games, 1,118 points (peaking at 17.6 PPG in 2024), 812 rebounds, 195 assists.
These aggregates reflect her strongest scoring and rebounding contributions with and , where she often started and logged heavy minutes.

Howard's postseason career in the WNBA spans 61 games across multiple teams, where she established herself as a key contributor during high-stakes playoff runs, particularly with the and , helping secure three championships in 2017, 2018, and 2020. Her playoff performances highlighted her versatility as a forward, blending scoring, rebounding, and defense in elimination settings.

Career Playoff Per-Game Averages

StatisticAverage
61
Points7.9
Rebounds4.5
Assists1.1
Steals0.9
Blocks0.6
Minutes20.0
During her time with the in 2017 and from 2018 to 2020, Howard played a pivotal role in three championship campaigns. In 2018, she appeared in all eight playoff games, averaging 15.8 points, 8.3 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.0 steal, and 1.4 blocks per game, with standout performances of 18.7 points and 10.7 rebounds across three games, including a 29-point, 14-rebound effort in the decisive Game 3 sweep over the . In 2019, limited by injury to just two games, she averaged 11.0 points and 9.0 rebounds. The 2020 playoffs saw her in six games, posting 9.5 points and 5.3 rebounds per game en route to another championship in the bubble format. Across her three championship series (2017, 2018, 2020), Howard accumulated totals underscoring her impact in title-winning efforts. In the 2025 postseason with the , Howard participated in eight games as the team advanced to the semifinals, averaging 9.4 points and 6.3 rebounds per game, highlighted by a 12-point, 11-rebound in Game 1 of the semifinals against the eventual champions.

College

Natasha Howard played for the from 2010 to 2014, appearing in 129 games and establishing herself as a dominant forward with strong scoring and rebounding averages. Over her career, she averaged 14.0 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 0.9 assists per game while shooting 50.7% from the field. Her per-season statistics highlight progressive improvement, particularly in her senior year when she achieved career highs in scoring and efficiency.
SeasonGames (G)Minutes (MP)Points (PTS)Rebounds (TRB)Assists (AST)FG%
2010–11 ()3225.510.66.60.8.460
2011–12 (Sophomore)3130.212.29.11.4.487
2012–13 (Junior)3326.812.77.50.7.486
2013–14 (Senior)3331.220.59.30.5.594
Career12928.414.08.10.9.507
In her senior season of 2013–14, Howard reached personal bests of 20.5 points per game and 9.3 rebounds per game, leading the team in scoring and recording a school-record 15 double-doubles that year. Career totals include 1,811 points and 1,047 rebounds, with 41 double-doubles, which set Florida State records at the time for both categories.

Awards and achievements

WNBA awards

Natasha Howard has earned multiple accolades during her WNBA career, highlighting her contributions as a versatile forward known for her defensive prowess and championship pedigree. Howard is a three-time WNBA champion, winning titles with the in 2017, the in 2018, and the Storm again in 2020. Her role in these successes included key performances in the playoffs, solidifying her reputation as a contributor on contending teams. Howard won the WNBA Most Improved Player award in 2018. In 2019, Howard was named the WNBA Defensive Player of the Year, recognizing her league-leading defensive impact with the , where she ranked second in steals and third in blocks per game. That same season, she earned All-WNBA First Team honors for her overall performance, averaging career highs in points and rebounds while anchoring the Storm's defense. Additionally, Howard was selected to the WNBA All-Defensive First Team in 2019, her second consecutive such selection following 2018. Howard has been selected as a WNBA twice, first in 2019 as a starter and again in 2022 as a reserve with the . These appearances underscored her consistent excellence across offensive and defensive facets. In 2025, Howard was named the MVP.

International and college awards

During her college career at , Natasha Howard earned several accolades recognizing her contributions to the Seminoles' team. She was selected to the All-ACC First Team in both 2013 and 2014 for her standout performances as a forward. In 2011, as a freshman, she was named to the ACC All-Freshman Team. Additionally, in 2014, Howard received WBCA Honorable Mention All-American honors, highlighting her defensive prowess and scoring ability during a season that saw her average double-digit points and rebounds. On November 16, 2025, Florida State retired her No. 33 jersey. Howard has also represented at the professional level through multiple invitations, though she has not yet competed in senior tournaments or the World University Games. She participated in the 2022 Women's National Team in , where she contributed 10 points in a Red-White scrimmage. In 2023, Howard attended in (November) and , as well as exhibition events. She further joined the 2024 3x3 Women's National Team Development Camp. In her overseas career, Howard has achieved significant success in European and Asian leagues, including multiple championships and individual honors. With Fenerbahçe in , she won back-to-back Women's championships in 2023 and 2024, contributing key performances in the finals. She also secured two Turkish League championships (2022–23 and 2023–24) and the in 2024 with the same club, earning Finals MVP honors in the 2024 Turkish Super League playoffs after recording 18 points and 12 rebounds in the decisive game. Earlier, during the Women season with , Howard was named MVP for the month of for her dominant play that helped secure a playoff spot. In , Howard was recognized as Import of the Year in the 2018–19 WCBA season with , leading the league in scoring and rebounding among international players. She has also earned all-tournament team selections in various foreign leagues, underscoring her impact in high-stakes international competitions.

Personal life

Family and marriage

Natasha Howard married Jac'Eil Duckworth, a personality and haircare entrepreneur, on August 20, 2024, after the couple began their relationship around 2022. Their wedding was featured on the 11th season of the series , highlighting their journey together. Duckworth, who owns The Takeover Barber Shop and Salon, brought her entrepreneurial background into the , while Howard has publicly expressed admiration for her wife's support during her WNBA career. Howard's family has played a pivotal role in her personal and professional development, with her mother, Latasha Howard, serving as a of emotional support while raising her in . Her high school basketball coach at Waite High School, Howard Hicks—who also served on the school's coaching staff—acted as a significant , whom Howard affectionately refers to as "Dad" for his guidance and influence on her . Additionally, her uncle, Greg Howard, encouraged her early interest in by incentivizing her participation, fostering a family environment that emphasized resilience and athletic pursuit. In interviews, Howard has credited her extended family for providing consistent motivation throughout her career, helping her navigate challenges both on and off the court. The couple does not have biological children together as of 2025, though Howard has embraced Duckworth's son, Prince Drummond, from a previous relationship as her own, often referring to him publicly as her son and sharing moments of family bonding. This blended family dynamic has influenced Howard's emphasis on personal balance, as seen in her decision to sign with the in February 2025, returning to the team that drafted her in 2014 for a sense of home and proximity to her supportive network in the Midwest. Howard has described this move as prioritizing her mental well-being and family stability alongside her professional goals.

Community involvement

Throughout her WNBA career, Natasha Howard has actively participated in initiatives, including events organized through WNBA Cares, which focus on supporting young people in underserved communities. In June 2025, Howard visited the Indiana Youth Group alongside her wife Jac'Eil and head coach [Stephanie White](/page/Stephanie White) to serve hot meals and engage with LGBTQ+ youth, highlighting her commitment to creating safe spaces for marginalized young people; the family participated together in the event to foster community support. Later that year, in July 2025, Howard teamed up with to host a back-to-school spree for 15 students, providing them with school supplies and to promote educational readiness and self-confidence among local youth. Howard has also advocated for the growth of by partnering with media outlets to amplify player stories and fan engagement, aiming to inspire the next generation of athletes. As part of her legacy, announced in October 2025 that Howard's No. 33 jersey would be retired, and the ceremony took place on November 16, 2025, following a game against the , honoring her impact on the program and broader community through her trailblazing career.

References

  1. https://www.wnba.com/player/203827
  2. https://www.espn.com/wnba/player/bio/_/id/2529130/natasha-howard
  3. https://www.espn.com/wnba/player/_/id/2529130/natasha-howard
  4. https://www.basketball-reference.com/wnba/players/h/howarna01w.html
  5. https://www.usab.com/players/natasha-howard
  6. https://www.sportskeeda.com/us/wnba/natasha-howard
  7. https://seminoles.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/natasha-howard/1767
  8. https://www.statmuse.com/wnba/player/natasha-howard-90/career-stats
  9. https://www.essentiallysports.com/wnba-basketball-news-who-are-natasha-howard-s-parents-everything-to-know-about-her-parents/
  10. https://www.tallahassee.com/story/news/local/fsu-news/2014/04/14/dream-come-true/7723269/
  11. http://www.espn.com/college-sports/basketball/recruiting/player/_/id/77444/natasha-howard
  12. https://www.cantonrep.com/story/sports/high-school/2010/03/18/waite-s-howard-named-23rd/42606447007/
  13. https://www.ohsaa.org/sports/bk/girls/2010/recaps10.htm
  14. http://www.espn.com/high-school/girls-basketball/recruiting/player/_/id/77444
  15. https://herhoopstats.com/stats/ncaa/player/natasha-howard-stats-11ec0e62-ec67-4080-9934-12df17ae4e1e/
  16. https://theacc.com/news/2013/3/4/51d0c34fa0ee267cf05f7d26_131481008724994282.aspx
  17. https://seminoles.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/natasha-howard/1965
  18. https://www.espn.com/womens-college-basketball/recap/_/gameId/400508800
  19. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k0yaEpHi8m8
  20. https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/schools/florida-state/women/2014-schedule.html
  21. https://seminoles.com/news/2025/11/15/womens-basketball-noles-to-retire-natasha-howards-jersey-sunday-vs-indiana
  22. https://www.wnba.com/news/fever-lynx-trade-natasha-howard-devereaux-peters
  23. https://storm.wnba.com/news/seattle-completes-trade-minnesota-acquires-natasha-howard
  24. https://www.espn.com/wnba/story/_/id/24658558/natasha-howard-helps-lead-seattle-storm-wnba-title
  25. https://liberty.wnba.com/news/new-york-liberty-acquire-natasha-howard-and-sami-whitcomb
  26. https://fever.wnba.com/news/three-time-wnba-champion-natasha-howard-returns-to-indiana-fever
  27. https://fever.wnba.com/news/2025-player-review-natasha-howard
  28. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/essentiallysports-announces-partnership-with-three-time-wnba-champion-natasha-howard-302502742.html
  29. https://www.wnba.com/archive/wnba/fever/news/overseas-update-howard-lucas-make-their-debuts.html
  30. https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/4281447/2023/03/07/wnba-overseas-stories/
  31. https://lynx.wnba.com/news/roster-review-natasha-howard
  32. https://www.fiba.basketball/en/players/212703-natasha-howard
  33. https://nwosports.substack.com/p/natasha-howard-wins-titles-with-fenerbahce
  34. https://www.eurobasket.com/Turkey/news/884291/Mersin-adds-Howard-to-their-roster?Women=1
  35. https://www.facebook.com/indianafever/posts/natasha-howard-continues-to-ball-out-with-mersin-in-turkey-feveroverseas/1127924486013931/
  36. https://www.basketball-reference.com/wnba/players/h/howarna01w/gamelog-playoffs/
  37. https://www.statmuse.com/wnba/ask/natasha-howard-stats-in-the-2018-finals
  38. https://www.statmuse.com/wnba/ask/natasha-howard-stats-in-the-2018-playoffs
  39. https://seminoles.com/news/2018/9/13/natasha-howard-wins-second-wnba-title
  40. https://www.wnba.com/playoffs/wnba-playoffs-2020
  41. https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/natasha-howard-1.html
  42. https://www.espn.com/wnba/story/_/id/43639139/natasha-howard-bringing-title-experience-fever-sources-say
  43. https://www.wnba.com/news/seattles-natasha-howard-named-2019-wnba-defensive-player-of-the-year
  44. https://storm.wnba.com/news/natasha-howard-selected-to-2019-all-wnba-team
  45. https://www.wnba.com/news/wnba-defensive-player-of-the-year-natasha-howard-highlights-2019-wnba-all-defensive-first-team
  46. https://liberty.wnba.com/news/natasha-howard-voted-to-2022-wnba-all-star-game
  47. https://wings.wnba.com/news/arike-ogunbowale-and-natasha-howard-to-compete-in-november-exhibition-training-camp-with-usa-basketball
  48. https://utsports.com/documents/download/2023/10/26/USA_Basketball_Announces_Rosters_for_November_Exhibitions_Training_Camp_FINAL.pdf
  49. https://www.usab.com/news/2024/11/2024-usa-basketball-3x3-womens-national-team-development-camp-announced
  50. https://www.fiba.basketball/en/news/euroleaguewomen-21-22-news-howard-crowned-euroleague-women-mvp-for-january
  51. https://www.asia-basket.com/China/womens-chinese-basketball-association_2018-2019.aspx?women=1
  52. https://www.profootballnetwork.com/wnba/is-natasha-howard-married-all-you-need-to-know-about-the-fever-stars-love-life-with-reality-tv-star/
  53. https://www.sportskeeda.com/us/wnba/news-my-fine-shiii-indiana-fever-s-natasha-howard-swoons-wife-jac-eil-s-stunning-mirror-selfie
  54. https://www.sportskeeda.com/us/wnba/news-natasha-howard-s-wife-jac-eli-reacts-son-excitingly-shows-new-fever-star-s-6-jersey
  55. https://www.indystar.com/story/sports/2015/10/12/fevers-natasha-howard-seizes-her-moment/73826204/
  56. https://slamonline.com/2025-wnba-free-agency/natasha-howard-indiana/
  57. https://www.indystar.com/story/sports/basketball/wnba/fever/2025/02/19/wnba-free-agency-how-selfish-approach-led-natasha-howard-to-indiana-fever-lessons-caitlin-clark/78642319007/
  58. https://pr.nba.com/wnba-changemakers-voiceinsport-partnership/
  59. https://www.instagram.com/p/DKa816dsIXA/
  60. https://www.facebook.com/indianafever/posts/shopping-sneakers-with-tasha-%25EF%25B8%258Fnatasha-howard-joined-15-students-for-the-ultimate/1253035203502858/
  61. https://finance.yahoo.com/news/essentiallysports-announces-partnership-three-time-183600520.html
  62. https://seminoles.com/news/2025/10/24/womens-basketball-fsu-to-retire-natasha-howards-jersey-on-nov-16
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.