How a two-dollar bet sparked a WNBA championship career
In short: At age ten, Natasha Howard's basketball journey began with a simple offer from her uncle: two dollars to dribble a ball. That small incentive evolved into a professional career defined by defensive dominance, multiple WNBA championships, and a relentless drive through the highest levels of the sport.
Natasha Howard's ascent to professional basketball was marked by early versatility and resilience. Growing up in Toledo, Ohio, she played on all-boys teams in elementary school when no girls' teams were available. By her senior year at Waite High School, she led the Indians to an OHSAA Division I state championship, despite a narrow 49-47 loss to Canton McKinley. The Toledo Blade recognised her talent by naming her Girls Player of the Year twice. She was also ranked as the second-best high school prospect in the country for her class.
Her collegiate career at Florida State University established her as a powerhouse. Howard became the program's second all-time scorer, totaling 1,811 points and setting a record with 41 double-doubles and 1,047 rebounds. This performance earned her a spot in the 2014 WNBA draft, where she was selected 5th overall by the Indiana Fever. During her first year as a Seminole, she averaged double digits in scoring and over six rebounds. She was also selected for the 2011 ACC All-Freshman Team.
Howard's professional journey is characterized by significant shifts and high-stakes achievements. After stints with the Fever and the Minnesota Lynx, she joined the Seattle Storm in 2018, where she achieved career highs in scoring, blocks, rebounds, assists, and steals. This breakout season culminated in a WNBA championship and her first All-Star selection. She earned her first championship title with the Lynx after defeating the Los Angeles Sparks. Her time in Seattle also saw her named to the WNBA All-Defensive First Team.
Her impact reached a peak in 2019 when she was named the WNBA Defensive Player of the Year. Throughout her career, Howard has demonstrated remarkable longevity, winning three WNBA championships across different teams and continuing to compete at an elite level, including a 2026 return to the Minnesota Lynx and a subsequent contract with Galatasaray. Her career has included stints with the New York Liberty and the Dallas Wings. Additionally, she has played professionally in the Israeli League.
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