What does Indiana Fever’s culture mean to Natasha Howard? Ruthless on the court, and gracious off it, perhaps. 

When she set foot in Indiana all those years ago, Howard was no better than a fish out of water. The on-court demands were high, minutes weren’t easily handed—17 starts across 2 seasons—and her gameplay? A cycle of learning and unlearning. 

But for every gruelling stretch, rookie Tash found words of comfort off the hardwood–in coach Lin Dunn’s assurance, in legend Tamika Catchings’ wisdom. It wasn’t the flashiest start expected of her, but Indiana was a place “where all her dreams came true.” 

So, when it came to making a pick as a free agent again, the answer was easy. She would go back to the place where it all started for her in the W. Only this time, she’d contribute more, laugh more, grow into the team, and we learnt as much in the chat she had with EssentiallySports’ Chole Mitchell. 

An easy grin, posture relaxed, no lines of worry on the face, Natasha Howard told us, “Indiana’s one of the best states for basketball.” 

You’ve heard the popular quote: “In 49 states it’s ‘just basketball’… but this is Indiana.” A state with decades of history, culture, and passion for the sport like no other. But with the Fever, that culture did not stop at basketball. 

Where Tamika Catchings once held her hand and set the stage, Natasha Howard has now returned to help carry the franchise’s legacy forward. This, she does not only do through her own contributions, like securing the Commissioner Cup—a favorite moment of hers in Indiana — but also by embracing Caitlin Clark as her ‘little sister’. 

Last preseason, when Tash was in a Dallas jersey, the young guard pulled up from the logo, dropped her signature shot, and roared with a charged crowd, while all Howard could do was stand and watch… Today, she’s glad they are on the same team. 

“I’m happy I’m playing with her and not against her,” Natasha Howard admitted to EssentiallySports. Her goal is clear: Catch Clark’s passes and make her job easy. And in the 13 games they have played together? “So far, so good.” But when you play the ‘big sister,’ your role doesn’t stop at being a reliable on-court presence. It’s about letting one know they can take trust falls with eyes closed. 

Through EssentiallySports, Natasha Howard assured Caitlin Clark: “You’re not alone. We have your back no matter what.” 

We have seen this storyline of trust play out. 

We have seen it play out when Howard told the 23-year-old, “Can take that weight off your shoulders,” early in the season, and we have seen it play out in Sophie Cunningham being the enforcer–she’d gone for Jacy Sheldon’s hair, serving a little ‘Clark revenge’. That loyalty is not one-sided.

In Clark’s words, “You’ve got to go out of your way to build those [relationships].” 

By standing up for one another and grinding through hours of training side by side, this team calls it a “special” union. That’s been clear as day off the hardwood, too.

Only months in, Clark, Cunningham, and Hull were flaunting their ‘Tres Leche’ T-shirts. And the Caitlin Clark – Aliyah Boston pre-game hugging ritual? The forward wasn’t missing it even if Clark wasn’t on court. They have built a family through the adversities, and let us tell you, it was no coincidence. 

When the Fever front office was looking for additions this off-season, the returning players had one request: Protect the locker room atmosphere. With what we’ve seen and heard, the management couldn’t have ticked the box better!

The half-court contests at practice, the goofy off-court games that mean nothing, Caitlin Clark is always “on ten,” says Howard.
Making ‘fun’ TikToks on refs or involving the Gainbridge crowd, Cunningham is “the funniest,” she admits.
And Natasha? Well, she’s the ultimate DJ for the Fever. In her words: “A lot of people like my playlist.” 

So whatever hopes veteran Tash joined the Indiana Fever with, it is all translating. She wanted to be seen, she wanted to be valued, and she wanted to tread to her heart’s content. If the team’s off-court chemistry assured a part of that, affirmations on the other end sealed it off. 

Not only did the front office call her their offseason priority, but Kelsey Mitchell made her feel it.

“You are one of a kind in this league. That’s the reason why you and I are cool.” That was a simple nod from the guard that stayed with Howard. And it meant so much more coming from a player she respects.

When EssentiallySports asked Natasha who deserved the Commissioner’s Cup MVP just as much as her, Howard replied in a heartbeat: Kelsey Mitchell. “A lot of people have given her flowers, but I’ll give her flowers,” she said. 

It is the duo the Fever needs–veteran presence, carrying the weight for the spirited young core. When a bad call gets to them, Howard is there to “huddle everybody up and move on.” 

After a journey that took her through four other franchises, Tash has finally landed back home. She is bringing the fashion, the music, and the experience. It isn’t about constant hustle anymore. It’s about slowing down and taking in the rewards. Because she has found something far greater than just a team. 

She’s found a family. 

Maybe that’s why those two-hour pre-game naps she calls her “ritual” feel different now. She can rest easy. She knows that when she wakes, she’ll cue up her playlist and walk into battle with people she trusts to the T!

“At the end of the day, we’re going to have each other’s back,” Howard assures. 

The Fever began this season with a motto: Culture is organic. Back then, maybe it sounded like just another slogan. But now? Now we understand. 

Loved what you read? Here’s some bonus content from the same Natasha chat because you stayed with us right till the end.

Chloe: Which teammate brings the most energy to practices?

Howard: Sophie. She does. Sophie. 

Chloe: Who has the most fire game-day fits?

Howard: Me. Myself. Well, pretty much our whole team, to be honest. I ain’t gonna lie, our whole team, but me? I’m on the top!

Chloe: Who’s always late, but worth the wait?

Howard: I don’t think anybody has been late, because we don’t want to get fined, either, so I don’t think anybody has been late.

Chloe: Any weird pre-game ritual we should know about?

Howard: I like to take a nap. I like to take a nap. That’s one thing I like to do. I’m not trying to have a bad game.

Chloe: You need your rest.

Howard: I need my rest.

Chloe: Like power naps or hour-long naps?

Howard: Maybe like a two-hour nap.