INDIANAPOLIS — Natasha Howard has committed to the Indiana Fever in hopes of making another run at a championship this season. The two-time WNBA All-Star and 2019 Defensive Player of the Year is at the forefront of a significant transformation for the Fever. Partnering with star player Caitlin Clark, Howard aims to elevate a young and promising franchise into a serious contender.

“We have the talent, and we have the right personnel,” Howard stated during her return to Indianapolis, where she began her professional journey in 2014. “I’m excited to be involved in this and, from a leadership perspective, to guide younger players on what it takes to secure a championship.”

With a resume that includes a championship with the Minnesota Lynx and two titles with the Seattle Storm over her 11-year career, Howard understands what it means to reach the pinnacle of success in the WNBA. This experience was a key factor for Fever President Kelly Krauskopf and new General Manager Amber Cox, who sought out Howard for her winning background. Cox joined the Fever front office in October after a role with the Dallas Wings, where Howard played for the last two seasons.

Howard will join an exciting roster that features three other All-Stars — Clark, outfielder Kelsey Mitchell, and forward Aliyah Boston. Notably, Clark and Boston were the most recent Rookie of the Year winners, while the Fever recently secured Mitchell’s new contract to prevent her from entering free agency.

The reformation of the Fever goes beyond player acquisitions. Former Fever star Stephanie White, who was named the 2023 Coach of the Year while with Connecticut, is returning for her second stint as head coach. White was an assistant when the 6-foot-2 Howard last played in Indianapolis.

Krauskopf believes that Howard will be instrumental in shaping the team’s culture, contributing both on and off the court. “The young core we’ve retained asked us to safeguard our locker room and the culture we’ve begun to build,” Krauskopf expressed. “Knowing Natasha as a young player, alongside her ability to help teams capture championships wherever she goes, makes her presence invaluable. She’s consistently been a winner.”

This is particularly important for a team that entered the previous season facing a seven-year playoff drought, compounded by consecutive No. 1 overall draft picks. The Fever’s fortunes shifted dramatically with the selection of Clark, a transformative talent who captivated audiences throughout her rookie campaign. Clark shattered records for assists and 3-pointers by a rookie and became the first in league history to record a triple-double, earning her recognition as The Associated Press Female Athlete of the Year.

“She has improved her shooting, she’s capable of directing the offense, and her passing skills are exceptional,” Howard noted in reference to Clark. “I’m genuinely thrilled to be on this team and to receive her passes.”

With an entire offseason to bond with new teammates and adjust to their new coach, Clark is stepping into the 2025 season with elevated expectations.

This strategic direction started forming last fall, with keeping Mitchell and adding Howard at the forefront of Indiana’s goals. The Fever’s activity didn’t stop with Howard’s signing; they also traded for sharpshooter Sophie Cunningham from Phoenix in a four-team deal, sending starting forward NaLyssa Thomas to Dallas. On Sunday, the Fever signed veteran player DaWanna Bonner, a two-time WNBA champion and six-time All-Star who previously played under White in Connecticut.

This influx of experience is precisely what the Fever lacked during their first-round playoff exit last season. White is optimistic about the influence of these seasoned players. “There’s no substitute for experience,” she stated. “We discussed this back in November; we are acquiring players with that valuable experience. We aim to fortify our culture while continuing to evolve, as consistency is crucial to winning multiple championships.”

The Fever have reached the WNBA finals three times, their last appearance in 2015, and captured their sole championship title in 2012. Howard is eager to shift the narrative.

“It’s incredibly exciting to play alongside Boston, Clark, and Mitchell, players I used to compete against,” Howard said. “I’m thrilled to be part of this team rather than going against them.”