Inside Fever Basketball: An Exclusive One-on-One Interview with Natasha Howard Regarding Her Return to Indian
Inside Fever Basketball: An Exclusive One-on-One Interview with Natasha Howard Regarding Her Return to Indiana
By [Your Name]
February 2025
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – The Indiana Fever are one of the most storied franchises in the WNBA, known for their resilience, their commitment to developing elite talent, and their passionate fanbase. As the team prepares for the upcoming season, there’s a familiar face returning to the squad: Natasha Howard.
Howard, one of the most dynamic forwards in the WNBA, has a rich history with the league, earning multiple All-Star selections and a WNBA championship in 2018. She’s known for her aggressive defense, her ability to finish in transition, and her versatility in the frontcourt. However, after a season away from the team, she’s back in Indiana, eager to contribute once more.
In an exclusive one-on-one interview with Inside Fever Basketball, Howard opens up about her journey back to the Fever, the lessons she’s learned along the way, and what fans can expect from her as she returns to the court.
Returning to Indiana: A Full-Circle Moment
Inside Fever Basketball (IFB): Natasha, welcome back to Indiana. First off, what made you decide to return to the Fever this season after a brief stint with other teams?
Natasha Howard (NH): It’s honestly a full-circle moment for me. Indiana holds a special place in my heart. I’ve always loved the community here—the fans are incredible, the team culture is something I value deeply, and I feel like I can do something special with the Fever. The decision to come back wasn’t an easy one, but I’m excited to rejoin this family, help build on what we started in previous seasons, and push for a championship. Indiana’s potential is something I truly believe in, and I want to be a part of that success.
IFB: It must feel like coming home. How has the city and the team evolved since your time away?
NH: Yeah, it does feel like home. The team has grown, for sure. There’s a new energy here, a renewed sense of purpose. The front office has made some key moves to bring in younger players who have a lot of talent, and the coaching staff has been doing a great job of developing that talent. The city itself has continued to support the Fever in a way that’s been amazing. Every time I’m in Indianapolis, I feel the love from the fans, and it’s a huge motivator for me. It’s an exciting time to be a part of this team.
A Season Away: Lessons Learned and the Road Back
IFB: You took some time away from the Fever, playing for other teams. How would you describe that period in your career? What were some key lessons you learned during that time?
NH: That time away was pivotal for my growth as both a player and a person. I learned a lot about adaptability and being patient with the process. There were times when things didn’t go exactly as planned, but I realized that each experience, even the setbacks, were opportunities for me to grow stronger. I also learned the importance of leadership in a different way. Sometimes, you don’t have to be the loudest person in the room to be a leader—you can lead by example, by setting the tone on and off the court. That mindset has definitely shaped the way I’m approaching my return to the Fever.
IFB: The lessons you’ve learned will surely benefit the Fever. But let’s talk about your individual growth. What specific areas of your game do you feel have evolved the most during your time away?
NH: I’ve always been a versatile player, but over the past year or so, I’ve worked a lot on my outside shooting. I’ve put in a ton of hours in the gym, focusing on consistency with my jump shot, especially from beyond the arc. I’ve also worked on my playmaking, trying to become a more effective passer and creating opportunities for my teammates. The game has evolved so much, and I want to make sure I’m always evolving with it. It’s about staying ahead of the competition.
On the Court: What Fans Can Expect
IFB: Now that you’re back with the Fever, what can fans expect from you this season? What’s your vision for your role on the team?
NH: Fans can expect the same Natasha Howard that they’ve seen in the past—hard-nosed, relentless defense, high-energy plays, and a fierce competitiveness. But I also want to bring more leadership to this team. I want to be a mentor for the younger players, show them what it takes to compete at the highest level, and help them develop their skills. My goal is to make everyone around me better—whether that’s through scoring, passing, or just setting the tone on defense. I’m excited to be part of a team where every player has the potential to make a difference. It’s all about working together to achieve something great.
IFB: You mentioned leadership. Given your experience, how do you plan to use your leadership to elevate the younger players on the team, particularly the rookies?
NH: The key is communication. I want to help them understand that it’s okay to make mistakes—it’s part of the learning process. I think back to when I was a rookie and how much I appreciated having veterans around me who were willing to guide me. I want to be that for these younger players. Whether it’s working on their skills or offering advice on how to handle the pressures of the league, I want to make sure they feel supported and confident. I truly believe that the success of a team is built on how well the veterans help develop the next generation.
The Fever’s Championship Aspirations
IFB: The Fever have been on a rebuilding journey over the past few years. How close do you think the team is to competing for a championship?
NH: I believe we’re closer than people think. There’s a lot of talent here—players who can step up and make an impact in different ways. We have a solid mix of experienced players and young stars with immense potential. With the right chemistry, I think we have what it takes to compete for a championship. The key is staying focused and not getting distracted by the outside noise. We need to build strong habits, be consistent, and most importantly, stay together as a team. If we do that, we’ll be a force to be reckoned with.
IFB: And as you look at the landscape of the WNBA, which teams do you see as the biggest challenges in that pursuit of a championship?
NH: There are some really strong teams in the league right now—teams like Las Vegas, New York, and Chicago come to mind. They’ve been at the top for a reason, and they have a lot of star power. But I’m not focused on just those teams; I’m focused on what we can do as a team. I know we have the talent to compete at that level. The goal is to continue improving, stay healthy, and make sure we’re in the right mindset every single game.
Family, Fans, and the Future
IFB: Off the court, you’ve always been known for your down-to-earth personality and strong ties to your community. How do you stay grounded amid the demands of being a professional athlete?
NH: At the end of the day, basketball is what I do, but it’s not who I am. I make sure to spend time with my family and friends, those who keep me grounded and remind me of what’s truly important. I also love giving back to the community. I think it’s important to be a role model for the younger generation and show them that anything is possible with hard work and dedication. It’s about more than just basketball—it’s about leaving a legacy that’s bigger than the game itself.
IFB: Looking ahead, what’s next for Natasha Howard? What are your goals both on and off the court?
NH: My immediate goal is to help the Fever reach the top. I’m focused on making sure we’re competing at the highest level and helping my teammates every step of the way. Beyond that, I want to continue to grow as a player and as a leader. Off the court, I want to continue to invest in my community, especially youth programs that help develop the next generation of athletes. I’ve been blessed to play this game at such a high level, and I want to make sure I’m paying it forward in every way I can.
IFB: Natasha, thank you so much for your time today. It’s been an absolute pleasure chatting with you, and we’re all excited to see what you bring to the Fever this season!
NH: Thank you! I’m excited to be back, and I can’t wait to get started. Let’s make this season something special.
As Natasha Howard embarks on this exciting new chapter with the Indiana Fever, the team and fans alike can look forward to an inspiring season. Howard’s leadership, skill development, and unrelenting work ethic will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping the Fever’s path forward. As she sets her sights on another championship, the feverish anticipation surrounding her return is only growing, and there’s no doubt that this season will be one to remember for both the player and the franchise.
