Natasha Howard’s heartfelt comments say it all—she’s found something special with the Indiana Fever. In return, the Fever have gained not only a seasoned champion but a selfless leader with a burning desire to win again
With her leadership guiding a young and talented roster, and a clear vision toward a championship, 2025 might just be the year Indiana returns to the top of the WNBA.
And for Natasha Howard, it’s a chance to not only win again—but to feel seen, valued, and truly at home.
As Natasha Howard enters her 12th WNBA season, the expectations are high—but so is the belief in what she can bring. Her ability to produce on the court, mentor off it, and inspire through her authenticity sets her apart.
The Indiana Fever are aiming to make a leap in the standings, and with the additions of Clark and Howard complementing Boston and Smith, that leap is entirely possible.
Whether she’s hitting clutch shots, locking down opponents, or offering words of encouragement to a teammate, Howard will be at the heart of it all.
This season won’t just be about returning to Indiana—it’ll be about leading it into a new era.
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Natasha Howard: Preparing for Season 12 with Purpose and Passion
As Natasha Howard enters her 12th professional season in the WNBA, the veteran forward is doing more than just lacing up her sneakers—she’s putting in the kind of offseason grind that separates good players from great ones.1
Now rejoining the Indiana Fever for her second stint, Howard is not only bringing her talent but also her veteran leadership and playoff-tested mentality to a team hungry for success.
The WNBA, Indiana Fever, and Natasha Howard herself recently gave fans an inside look at her grueling offseason training via social media. A training montage was posted across multiple Instagram accounts, showcasing Howard in the gym with intensity and focus.
The clips included a variety of drills that demonstrate her well-rounded game: turnaround jumpers, contested layups, catch-and-shoot threes, and high-volume free throw reps.
She’s seen pushing herself to the limit alongside Indiana’s rising star Aliyah Boston, forming a bond that Fever fans hope will translate into on-court chemistry.
Howard’s off-court presence in these videos speaks volumes. She’s engaged, vocal, and clearly mentoring Boston as they grind together. The video not only highlights Howard’s skill but also signals her leadership as she prepares to take on a pivotal role within a youthful Fever squad.
A Touch of Love: Support from Wife Jac’Eil
Beyond the gym, Howard has another source of strength: her wife, Jac’Eil. Jac’Eil took to Instagram to share a sweet moment of encouragement for Natasha, captioning a repost of the training montage with “Chocolate drop” and a heart-eyed emoji.
It’s a simple but powerful show of love and admiration, reminding fans that support systems matter—even for elite athletes.
Howard responded by resharing Jac’Eil’s story and adding a heart and kiss emoji, a subtle yet affectionate acknowledgment that she feels the love.
For fans, it was a rare and heartwarming peek into Howard’s personal life—a reminder that behind the fierce competitor is a devoted partner and loving wife.
Natasha Howard: Return to Indiana
A Full-Circle Moment
Natasha Howard’s return to Indiana is more than just a transaction—it’s a full-circle moment. The 6-foot-2 forward was originally drafted fifth overall by the Fever in 2014.2
After spending just one season with the team, Howard embarked on a journey through multiple franchises, collecting accolades and championships along the way.
Her journey brought stops in Minnesota, Seattle, New York, and Dallas. In that time, she won three WNBA championships (2017, 2018, 2020), was named Defensive Player of the Year in 2019, and earned two All-Star nods.
Now back with the team that started it all, Howard brings a wealth of experience and a chip on her shoulder.
For a franchise looking to rebuild and rebrand itself with promising young talent like Caitlin Clark and Aliyah Boston, Howard is a perfect fit. She knows what it takes to win and, perhaps more importantly, what it takes to build a winning culture.
2024 Highlights: Career Year in Dallas
Howard’s return to Indiana comes on the heels of a stellar 2024 season with the Dallas Wings.
She averaged 17.6 points and 6.7 rebounds per game while also contributing on the defensive end with 1.3 steals and nearly a block per game.
Her ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor makes her one of the most versatile forwards in the league.
In Dallas, she often served as the go-to option in crunch time, showing off her footwork in the post and knocking down perimeter jumpers.
She also thrived in pick-and-roll scenarios and proved to be a reliable floor spacer. With Indiana, she may have a slightly different role—but her skillset remains invaluable.
Building Chemistry with Aliyah Boston
One of the most exciting elements of Howard’s offseason work is her budding partnership with Aliyah Boston. The two forwards training side-by-side sends a clear message: the Fever are not just preparing for the future—they’re investing in the now.
Boston, last season’s WNBA Rookie of the Year, is expected to be a cornerstone for years to come. Learning from a seasoned veteran like Howard, who has seen every coverage and every playoff environment, is an opportunity that could rapidly accelerate her growth.
In the training clips, Boston and Howard share smiles, communication, and feedback. That’s not just team-building—it’s a mentorship in action.
With Boston’s inside presence and Howard’s mid-range and perimeter game, the Fever may have one of the most dynamic frontcourts in the league.
Natasha Howard: Leadership Role on a Young Roster
The 2025 Indiana Fever are a team in transition, defined by youth and ambition.3
With Caitlin Clark, Aliyah Boston, and NaLyssa Smith forming the team’s core, Howard steps in as the wise veteran who’s been there and done that.
Her role goes beyond scoring and rebounding—she’s the voice in the huddle, the mentor in practice, and the player who sets the tone defensively.
Howard’s championship pedigree will be key in shaping the culture. Young players benefit immensely from seeing what professionalism looks like on a daily basis. Howard brings intensity, consistency, and accountability—all traits that can help solidify the Fever’s identity moving forward.
The Caitlin Clark Effect
There’s no denying that rookie sensation Caitlin Clark will be at the center of the Fever’s media spotlight this season.
As the NCAA’s all-time leading scorer, Clark’s arrival has generated buzz not just in Indiana but across the basketball world.
Howard’s presence will be critical in helping Clark adjust to the demands of the WNBA. As opponents scheme to stop the sharpshooting guard, Howard’s ability to space the floor and create her own offense will relieve pressure.
Her veteran savvy will also help Clark navigate the mental challenges of her first pro season.
Howard’s Defensive Mastery
- While Howard is often recognized for her scoring, her defensive prowess might be her most valuable asset.
- A former Defensive Player of the Year, she’s capable of guarding multiple positions and often takes on the toughest assignments.
- In a league that features dominant forwards like A’ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, and Napheesa Collier, having a player who can hold her own defensively is a game-changer.
- Expect Howard to anchor the Fever defense, both as a shot-blocker and a vocal presence on the backline.
- Her timing, anticipation, and quick feet allow her to disrupt plays, get in passing lanes, and ignite fast breaks—exactly the kind of defensive identity Indiana is trying to build.
- Howard’s presence in the WNBA is not just about points and rebounds. As an openly gay athlete married to a supportive partner, she represents progress and visibility for LGBTQ+ athletes everywhere.
- Her relationship with Jac’Eil is a reminder that love, support, and authenticity are vital aspects of every person’s journey—regardless of profession.
- Fans have embraced the couple’s sweet social media interactions, and for younger players and fans looking up to her, Howard’s openness is incredibly empowering.
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Natasha Howard’s Journey to Finding a Home with the Fever
A Warm Welcome to Indiana
When Natasha Howard inked her one-year, $214,666 contract with the Indiana Fever in February 2025, few could have predicted how quickly she’d settle into her new team.
Within weeks, Howard was already calling her time with the Fever the most fulfilling experience of her entire career. For a seasoned veteran like her—who’s spent over a decade in the WNBA and won multiple championships—that’s no small statement.
On social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Howard didn’t hold back her emotions. “This is the best I’ve ever been treated in my entire career.
The love is unexplainable,” she wrote. Her message was more than just gratitude; it was a moment of emotional validation and recognition.
A Career of Success, Now a Moment of Peace
Howard’s journey through the WNBA has seen her wear multiple jerseys—from the Indiana Fever early in her career to championship runs with the Seattle Storm and other stints with Minnesota, New York, and Dallas.
She’s always been a defensive force, a quiet contributor, and a clutch performer.
Despite her accolades, Howard often flew under the radar. She was the kind of player whose presence was felt more on the court than in the headlines. But something has changed in Indiana—Howard not only feels seen, she feels valued.
“I’ve always mattered,” she wrote, “now I’m being shown how much of an impact I’ve always been in the league. I can’t lie, it feels good.”
A Team on the Rise
The Indiana Fever are riding a wave of momentum thanks in large part to the arrival of Caitlin Clark in 2024. The rookie phenom brought scoring, energy, and a national spotlight to a franchise that had missed the playoffs every year since 2016.
Clark’s leadership helped push the Fever into the postseason in her first season, and now the team is determined to go even further.
Natasha Howard fits perfectly into this vision. She brings a winning mindset, locker room leadership, and a fierce defensive presence.
Alongside Clark’s offense, Howard’s versatility can serve as the backbone of a team that wants to compete at the highest level.
Veteran Presence for a Young Core
One of the most important roles Howard will play isn’t on the scoreboard—it’s in the locker room.
The Fever have assembled a young but promising core, and players like Caitlin Clark, Aliyah Boston, and NaLyssa Smith can benefit immensely from Howard’s experience.
“I’m here to bring leadership and show this young group what it takes to win a championship,” Howard said in her introductory press conference. That’s not just talk—she has the championship rings and playoff mileage to prove it.
In many ways, Howard becomes the bridge between a young core and the ultimate goal: winning the WNBA title.
Her understanding of the grind, her calm under pressure, and her commitment to defense make her a valuable mentor on and off the court.
Natasha Howard: Building a Championship-Caliber Roster
Howard isn’t the only veteran the Fever have added. The front office has been aggressive in bolstering the roster with high-impact players like DeWanna Bonner, Sophie Cunningham, Sydney Colson, and Brianna Turner.
Each player brings a unique skill set and adds depth and toughness to a team that now looks ready to challenge for a title.
Bonner, in particular, brings playoff experience and scoring punch. Cunningham adds outside shooting and grit.
Turner is a strong interior defender. And Colson—known for her infectious energy and leadership—helps cement a winning culture.
Together with Howard, they represent a culture shift: from hopeful rebuild to serious contender.
The Energy of a New Era
The Fever haven’t just improved on paper—they’ve transformed in spirit. The enthusiasm from players, fans, and coaches alike points to a franchise that believes in its potential.
For the first time in years, there’s buzz in Indiana, and much of that excitement stems from the feeling that this team can win—not just in the future, but now.
That energy has deeply resonated with Howard, whose heartfelt praise speaks volumes about the culture being built in Indiana. Sometimes, the right environment unlocks a different level in even the most experienced players.
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