The basketball world is abuzz with heartfelt tributes as WNBA veteran Natasha Howard receives accolades for a monumental milestone in her storied career: the retirement of her Florida State University jersey. Announced last week, the ceremony honoring Howard’s Seminoles legacy has sparked an outpouring of support from fans, former teammates, and her current squad, the Indiana Fever.
Howard, a 6-foot-2 forward and three-time WNBA champion, etched her name into Florida State lore during her college days from 2009 to 2013. In 129 games, she amassed 1,811 points, shattering school records with 1,047 rebounds and 41 double-doubles. “Tash was a force—relentless, dominant, and a true leader,” said FSU coach Leonard Hamilton in a statement. “This retirement cements her as one of our all-time greats.”
The Indiana Fever, where Howard returned as a free agent in February 2025 after a decade away, led the congratulations. The team that drafted her fifth overall in 2014 posted on X: “Let’s goooo Tash ❤️,” alongside a photo of her celebrating with teammate Aliyah Boston. Howard’s 2025 season was a homecoming triumph: averaging 11.4 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 1.2 steals in 44 games, she earned Commissioner’s Cup MVP honors, powering Indiana to the title over the Minnesota Lynx.
Teammates and rivals chimed in. “Proud of you, sis! From FSU to Fever finals—icon status,” tweeted Boston. Seattle Storm’s Jewell Loyd, Howard’s 2018 championship partner, added, “Jersey up where it belongs. Keep shining!” Even ex-Fever legend Tamika Catchings, who mentored a young Howard, shared: “Full circle. You’ve inspired generations.”
At 34, Howard reflects on her journey—from early Fever stints to Defensive Player of the Year in 2019 with Seattle. “FSU built me; Indy reignited me,” she told WSLAM. As a free agent this offseason, whispers of a Fever return swirl, but today’s focus is pure celebration. The jersey retirement game against Indiana at Donald L. Tucker Center on November 15 promises emotional fireworks.
Howard’s impact transcends stats: a trailblazer for Black women in sports, advocate for mental health, and mentor to rookies like Caitlin Clark. “This isn’t goodbye—it’s gratitude,” she posted. As confetti falls in Tallahassee, the WNBA salutes a star whose fire still burns bright.
