Who is Natasha Howard? Natasha Howard is a powerhouse in women's basketball, known for her versatility and defensive prowess. Born on September 2, 1991, in Toledo, Ohio, she has carved out an impressive career in the WNBA and international leagues. From her high school days at Morrison R. Waite High School to her standout college career at Florida State University, Howard has consistently excelled. Drafted 5th overall by the Indiana Fever in 2014, she has since won championships with the Seattle Storm and earned accolades like the WNBA Defensive Player of the Year. Currently playing for the Dallas Wings, Howard continues to inspire with her skill, leadership, and community involvement.
Early Life and High School
Natasha Howard's journey to basketball stardom began in Toledo, Ohio. Her early years were filled with support and encouragement from her family.
- 01
Birth and Early Life: Natasha Howard was born on September 2, 1991, in Toledo, Ohio, U.S. She grew up in a family that supported her passion for basketball from an early age.
- 02
High School Career: Howard attended Morrison R. Waite High School in Toledo, Ohio, where she began her basketball journey. Her high school success laid the foundation for her future achievements in college and professional basketball.
College Basketball at Florida State
Howard's college career at Florida State University was nothing short of spectacular. She made a name for herself in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
- 03
College Basketball: Howard played college basketball for Florida State University. During her time at Florida State, she became one of the top players in the ACC, earning multiple All-ACC selections and being named to the ACC All-Defensive Team twice.
- 04
College Honors: Howard's college career was marked by numerous accolades. She was a two-time First-team All-ACC selection in 2013 and 2014, and she was also named to the ACC All-Defensive Team both years. Additionally, she was a Wade Trophy Finalist and a Naismith Trophy candidate in 2013-14.
- 05
College Statistics: In her four-year college career, Howard averaged 14.0 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game. She set multiple records at Florida State, including the school record for double-doubles with 41 and becoming the all-time rebounds leader with 1,047 rebounds.
Entering the WNBA
Howard's professional career began with the Indiana Fever, and she quickly made her mark in the WNBA.
- 06
Draft Selection: In the 2014 WNBA draft, Howard was selected 5th overall by the Indiana Fever. This marked the beginning of her professional basketball career in the WNBA.
- 07
Early Professional Career: Howard's rookie season with the Indiana Fever was promising. She averaged 7.0 points and 3.1 rebounds per game, showcasing her potential as a young player in the league.
Success with Minnesota Lynx and Seattle Storm
Howard's career took off when she joined the Minnesota Lynx and later the Seattle Storm, where she achieved significant success.
- 08
Trade to Minnesota: In 2016, Howard was traded to the Minnesota Lynx in a sign-and-trade deal. During her time with the Lynx, she became a key contributor off the bench, helping the team reach the WNBA Finals twice.
- 09
Championships with Seattle Storm: Howard's most successful period came with the Seattle Storm. She was traded to the Storm in 2018 and had her best season in Seattle, averaging career-highs in scoring, blocks, rebounds, assists, and steals. The Storm won the WNBA championship in 2018 under her leadership.
- 10
WNBA Defensive Player of the Year: In 2019, Howard was named the WNBA Defensive Player of the Year. This award recognized her exceptional defensive skills, which have been a hallmark of her career.
International Success and Current Team
Howard's talent extends beyond the WNBA, as she has also found success in international competitions.
- 11
International Success: Howard has also had significant success in international competitions. She won the Euroleague in 2024 and the Turkish League championship in 2023 while playing for Fenerbahçe Women's Basketball team.
- 12
Current Team: As of August 2024, Natasha Howard plays for the Dallas Wings in the WNBA. She has been a vital part of the team, averaging 16.6 points, 3.4 assists, and 7.1 rebounds per game.
Physical Attributes and Career Statistics
Howard's physical attributes and impressive career statistics highlight her dominance on the court.
- 13
Height and Weight: Howard stands at 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighs approximately 170 pounds, giving her the physical attributes necessary to dominate on the court.
- 14
Career Statistics: Throughout her WNBA career, Howard has averaged 11.5 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game. She has also been named to the WNBA All-Star team twice and has been a consistent performer in the league.
- 15
Playoff Performances: In the playoffs, Howard has shown her ability to perform under pressure. She has played in multiple WNBA Finals and has been instrumental in her teams' success during these games.
Personal Life and Community Involvement
Howard's life off the court is just as inspiring as her basketball career. She is dedicated to her family and community.
- 16
Personal Life: Howard is married to Jac’Eil Duckworth Howard, an entrepreneur who owns The Take Over Bar and is known for her expertise in hair design. The couple got engaged in August 2024 and have shared their wedding photos on social media.
- 17
Community Involvement: Howard is involved in various community activities, including supporting youth basketball programs and advocating for women's sports. Her commitment to giving back to the community reflects her values and dedication to making a positive impact beyond her playing career.
- 18
Social Media Presence: Howard is active on social media platforms, where she engages with fans and shares updates about her life and career. Her Instagram account provides a glimpse into her personal life and professional achievements.
Playing Style and Leadership
Howard's versatility and leadership on the court make her a valuable asset to any team.
- 19
Basketball Style: Known for her versatility on the court, Howard can play both forward positions effectively. Her ability to score, rebound, and defend at a high level makes her a valuable asset to any team.
- 20
Leadership Skills: Howard has demonstrated strong leadership skills throughout her career. She has been a key player in several championship-winning teams and has shown the ability to motivate her teammates to perform at their best.
- 21
Mental Toughness: Howard's mental toughness is another aspect of her game that has contributed to her success. She has spoken publicly about the importance of mental preparation and resilience in overcoming challenges in sports.
Inspirational Figure and Career Milestones
Howard serves as an inspiration to many young athletes and has achieved numerous career milestones.
- 22
Inspirational Figure: Howard serves as an inspiration to many young athletes, particularly women, who are looking to pursue careers in sports. Her journey from high school to professional basketball is a testament to hard work and determination.
- 23
Career Milestones: Howard has achieved several career milestones, including becoming one of the top scorers in Florida State history and setting multiple records for rebounds and double-doubles. These achievements highlight her consistent performance over the years.
Awards and Impact on Women's Basketball
Howard's impact on women's basketball extends beyond her individual achievements.
- 24
Awards and Accolades: In addition to the WNBA Defensive Player of the Year award, Howard has received numerous other accolades throughout her career. These include being named to the WNBA All-Star team twice and earning multiple All-ACC selections during her college days.
- 25
Impact on Women's Basketball: Howard's impact on women's basketball extends beyond her individual achievements. She has helped raise the profile of women's sports and inspired a new generation of female athletes to pursue careers in basketball.
Role Models and Challenges Faced
Howard's journey has been influenced by role models and marked by overcoming challenges.
- 26
Role Models: Howard cites several role models who have influenced her career, including notable female basketball players who have paved the way for her success. These role models include players like Lisa Leslie and Sheryl Swoopes, who were pioneers in women's professional basketball.
- 27
Challenges Faced: Like many athletes, Howard has faced challenges throughout her career. These include injuries, competition from other talented players, and the physical and mental demands of professional sports. However, she has consistently shown resilience and determination in overcoming these obstacles.
Philanthropy and Legacy
Howard's commitment to philanthropy and her growing legacy in basketball make her a respected figure in the sport.
- 28
Philanthropy: Howard is involved in various philanthropic activities, focusing on youth development programs and educational initiatives. Her commitment to giving back to the community reflects her values and dedication to making a positive impact beyond her playing career.
- 29
Legacy in Basketball: As Howard continues to play at a high level, she is building a legacy in basketball that will be remembered for years to come. Her achievements on the court, combined with her community involvement and leadership skills, make her one of the most respected players in the WNBA.
- 30
Future Aspirations: Looking ahead, Howard has expressed aspirations to continue playing professionally for as long as possible while also exploring opportunities in coaching or sports administration after her playing career. Her future plans reflect her passion for basketball and her desire to remain involved in the sport she loves.
Natasha Howard's Lasting Impact
Natasha Howard's journey from Toledo, Ohio, to WNBA stardom is nothing short of inspiring. Her versatility, defensive prowess, and leadership have made her a standout player in the league. From high school success to college dominance at Florida State, Howard's path has been marked by hard work and determination. Her professional career, highlighted by championships with the Seattle Storm and accolades like the WNBA Defensive Player of the Year, showcases her exceptional talent.
Beyond the court, Howard's commitment to community involvement and philanthropy underscores her dedication to making a positive impact. Her story serves as a beacon for young athletes, especially women, aspiring to reach the pinnacle of their sports careers. As she continues to excel with the Dallas Wings, Natasha Howard's legacy in basketball will undoubtedly inspire future generations. Her journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and passion.
Was this page helpful?
Our commitment to delivering trustworthy and engaging content is at the heart of what we do. Each fact on our site is contributed by real users like you, bringing a wealth of diverse insights and information. To ensure the highest standards of accuracy and reliability, our dedicated editors meticulously review each submission. This process guarantees that the facts we share are not only fascinating but also credible. Trust in our commitment to quality and authenticity as you explore and learn with us.