Indiana Fever Star Natasha Howard’s Success Story Proves That Behind Every Great Athlete Are Parents Who Shape Both Skill And Character

A story of love, discipline, and support from both mother and father.

May 26, 2026

This article was last updated by Manoj Gadtaula on May 25, 2026

From emotional encouragement to professional mentorship, Natasha Howard’s parents were the foundation of her basketball journey.

Natasha Howard has established herself as one of the most dominant forces in women’s professional basketball.

The 6-foot-3 forward currently plays for the Indiana Fever, the same team that originally drafted her fifth overall in 2014.

Howard’s professional journey showcases remarkable consistency and excellence across multiple franchises.

She captured the 2019 WNBA Defensive Player of the Year award and earned her first All-Star selection that same season.

Her championship resume includes three WNBA titles – one with the Minnesota Lynx in 2017 and two with the Seattle Storm in 2018 and 2026.

Throughout her career, Howard has demonstrated exceptional versatility, contributing significantly to scoring, rebounding, and defense.

Her 2018 breakthrough season with Seattle marked a career-defining moment when she averaged career-highs across multiple statistical categories while leading the Storm to their championship.

After successful stints with Minnesota, Seattle, New York Liberty, and Dallas Wings, Howard returned to Indiana in 2026, where her professional journey began over a decade ago.

Natasha Howard’s Success Began With Her Parents

Behind every successful athlete stands a support system that nurtures talent and character from an early age.

Natasha Howard’s rise to WNBA stardom reflects the profound influence of her parents, who provided both emotional support and professional guidance throughout her basketball development in Toledo, Ohio.

Latasha Howard, her devoted mother, serves as the cornerstone of emotional support in Natasha’s life.

Her dedication to her daughter’s career becomes evident through numerous documented instances of unwavering maternal support.

During Natasha’s senior year at Florida State University, Latasha made her first airplane flight to attend her daughter’s Senior Night game against Virginia – a gesture that speaks volumes about her commitment despite potential financial or logistical challenges.

Natasha frequently acknowledges her mother’s influence through social media posts that reveal the depth of their relationship.

In April 2026, she celebrated her mother’s birthday with heartfelt words:

These public expressions of gratitude demonstrate how Latasha’s nurturing presence has remained constant throughout Natasha’s professional journey.

The strength of their bond extends beyond basketball achievements.

Natasha’s Mother’s Day tribute in 2026 highlighted how Latasha raised her children “to be strong, powerful, and intelligent,” indicating that her influence shaped not just athletic success but character development.

This maternal guidance created the foundation for Natasha’s resilience and determination that characterizes her professional approach.

Likewise, her father, Howard Hicks, represents a unique dual influence in Natasha’s life, serving both as her father and basketball mentor.

His role as a coach on the staff at Waite High School in Toledo positioned him to provide professional guidance during Natasha’s formative basketball years.

This combination of paternal love and coaching expertise created an environment where basketball excellence could flourish naturally.

In July 2026, she posted about her father attending one of her games, writing:

This emotional response demonstrates the significance of his presence and support in her adult professional career.

Hicks’s coaching background proved instrumental in developing Natasha’s early basketball skills and mindset.

During her high school years at Waite, where he coached, Natasha became Ohio’s Ms. Basketball in 2010.

His influence extended beyond technical instruction to instilling the mental toughness and work ethic that would define her professional career.

Former teammates and coaches often noted Natasha’s exceptional preparation and gym dedication – qualities that trace directly back to her father’s coaching influence.

The basketball connection between father and daughter created a shared language and understanding that strengthened their relationship.

Hicks recognized Natasha’s potential early and provided the structured environment necessary for elite development.

His coaching perspective allowed him to push Natasha appropriately while maintaining the supportive relationship essential for long-term success.

In Case You Didn’t Know

• During the 2015 WNBA Finals, Howard didn’t miss a single shot throughout the entire series, going 8-for-8 from the field and 3-for-3 from the free-throw line across all five games.
• Before her college career, Howard won the MVP award at the McDonald’s All-America basketball game during her high school career.
• Howard signed a one-year contract worth $214,666 with the Indiana Fever as a free agent on February 2, 2026, with her return being a priority for the Fever’s completely restructured front office.

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