Key Highlights
- Natasha Howard’s jersey will be retired by Florida State University on November 16, 2025.
- Howard was a two-time All-ACC First Team selection and set school records during her tenure from 2011 to 2014.
- She has enjoyed an 11-year professional career in the WNBA, earning multiple accolades including three championships, Defensive Player of the Year, and All-Star status.
- Howard will be the fifth jersey retired at Florida State University next to Sue Galkantas, Tia Paschal, Wanda Burns, and Brooke Wyckoff.
Natasha Howard’s Legacy with Florida State University
Natasha Howard, a distinguished alum of Florida State University (FSU), will see her jersey retired on November 16, 2025. This marks the culmination of an exceptional career where she played from 2011 to 2014 and left an indelible mark on women’s basketball at FSU.
Howard was a dominant player during her time with the Seminoles, earning recognition as a two-time All-ACC First Team selection in 2013 and 2014. She also earned All-Defensive team honors in 2012 and 2014. Her contributions to FSU went beyond accolades; she set school records for career rebounds at 1,047 and double-doubles at 41, both recently broken by Makayla Timpson.
Professional Success and Impact
Natasha Howard’s impact extended far beyond her collegiate years. Drafted fifth overall in the 2014 WNBA draft by the Indiana Fever, she has enjoyed a successful 11-year career playing both domestically and internationally. Following the 2013-14 season, she was named to the ACC All-Freshman Team and received Full Court Press Third Team Freshman All-American honors.
Howard’s senior year saw her earn two All-America honorable mention accolades from the Associated Press (AP) and Women’s Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA).
She finished with 675 points, averaging 20.5 per game, setting a school record for most points in a single game at 40 against Syracuse.
Her professional career has been equally impressive. Howard has been recognized as a three-time WNBA Champion and was named the WNBA Defensive Player of the Year in 2019. She is also a two-time All-Star (2019, 2022) and an All-Defensive First Team selection in 2018 and 2019. Her overseas success includes leading her teams to the FIBA Europe SuperCup in 2023 and the Turkish Cup in 2024.
Recognition and Future Implications
Natasha Howard will be the fifth jersey retired at Florida State University, joining Sue Galkantas (1980-84), Tia Paschal (1988-93), Wanda Burns (1988-91), and Brooke Wyckoff (1997-01). This honor underscores the significant impact Howard has had on FSU women’s basketball. Her retirement ceremony will be a celebration of her achievements and legacy, as well as a testament to the enduring success of the program.
FSU fans can look forward to the upcoming season, which begins with a home game against Florida A&M on November 3 at 6 p.m. For more updates on FSU women’s basketball, follow the team on Instagram (@FSUWBB), X (@FSUWBB), and Facebook (@FSUWomensBasketball).