Big‑time veteran Natasha Howard returns to Indiana—this time not as a rookie, but as a seasoned forward armed with three WNBA titles and a Defensive Player of the Year award. Her homecoming carries both nostalgia and purpose.
Her journey has been anything but linear, marked by team changes, personal growth, and the resilience that shaped her into one of the league’s most respected voices. Each chapter adds weight to the player she has become.
Off the stat sheet, her story is one of full-circle commitment. Drafted in 2014 by the Fever, now reuniting with a familiar coach, she adds leadership, mentorship, and championship DNA to Indiana’s ambitious rebuild.
How old is Natasha Howard?
Natasha Howard is 33 years old, born on September 2, 1991, in Toledo, Ohio. Now in her 11th WNBA season, she blends veteran savvy with sustained productivity, maintaining a strong presence for Indiana as a mature, championship-tested forward.
Natasha Howard #6 of the Indiana Fever handles the ball against the Dallas Wings during the first half at American Airlines Center on August 1, 2025. (Source: Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)
How tall is Natasha Howard?
Listed between 6 ft 2 in and 6 ft 3 in (188–191 cm), Natasha Howard’s stature offers the ideal mix of strength and mobility for a modern forward. Her athletic frame—about 165–175 lbs—has supported years of interior defense, rebounding, and scoring efficiency that elevated her into elite league company.
Natasha Howard’s love life and family
Despite her prominence on the court, Natasha Howard maintains a notably private personal life. Publicly, there are no confirmed reports or details about romantic relationships, reflecting a preference to keep the focus on basketball.
Born and raised in Toledo, Ohio, her early life was grounded by strong family support and community values. She attended Waite High School, where her basketball talent first blossomed, and her family’s encouragement played a key role in her development.
Her journey from Toledo to Florida State University reflects a blend of ambition and discipline. While details about her extended family are scarce in the public domain, it’s clear that the foundation laid in her formative years has informed her resilience and leadership on the court.
What is Natasha Howard’s jersey number?
Upon returning to the Indiana Fever in 2025, Natasha Howard reclaimed the No. 6 jersey, a number that has become closely associated with her identity as a player and leader.
Natasha Howard #6 of the Indiana Fever shoots the ball during the game against the Atlanta Dream at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on May 20, 2025. (Source: Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
This number carries a legacy beyond mere digits—it symbolizes her evolution from a promising rookie drafted by Indiana in 2014 to a seasoned veteran and three-time WNBA champion bringing invaluable experience back to the team.
Teammates and coaches alike recognize the significance of her jersey number as a marker of her role in the Fever’s rebuild. It’s a signal of leadership and defensive tenacity, traits that have become synonymous with Howard’s on-court presence.
Natasha Howard’s career highlights
- Drafted 5th overall in 2014 by Indiana Fever: She began her professional journey with the Fever, where she made an immediate impression as a reliable defender and efficient scorer. Her rookie season included an important contribution to Indiana’s run to the 2015 WNBA Finals, where she showcased clutch shooting with a perfect field goal record in the championship series.
- Three WNBA championships (2017, 2018, 2020): After leaving Indiana, she found championship success with the Minnesota Lynx in 2017 and Seattle Storm in 2018 and 2020. These titles cemented her status as a winner, a player who contributes not just stats but championship-caliber energy and defense.
- 2018 Most Improved Player Award: Her breakout season in Seattle saw significant leaps in scoring, rebounding, and defensive stats, which earned her the prestigious Most Improved Player honor. This recognition highlighted her transformation from role player to franchise cornerstone.
- 2019 Defensive Player of the Year and All-WNBA First Team: Her defensive prowess peaked as she led the league in steals and ranked among the top shot blockers. This dominance on defense, combined with offensive improvements, earned her Defensive Player of the Year and a spot on the All-WNBA First Team—a testament to her all-around excellence.
- Two-time WNBA All-Star (2019, 2022): Recognized by fans and coaches alike, she was selected twice for the All-Star Game, marking her as one of the league’s elite players during those seasons.
- 2025 Commissioner’s Cup MVP & leadership in Indiana’s rebuild: Returning to Indiana was a full-circle moment for her. In 2025, she led the Fever to their first-ever Commissioner’s Cup title and earned MVP honors for the tournament, underscoring her role as both a leader and key performer. Her veteran presence is expected to be pivotal as Indiana seeks to build a competitive future.
