Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Natasha Cloud

Discover the career path of Natasha Cloud, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Natasha Cloud is a prominent professional basketball player in the WNBA, best known for her tenure with the Washington Mystics, where she secured a championship in 2019. A standout point guard, she is highly regarded for her elite playmaking, court vision, and tenacious perimeter defense. Beyond her athletic achievements, Cloud is widely recognized as a vocal activist dedicated to social justice, racial equality, and gun violence prevention. She has leveraged her platform to advocate for marginalized communities, frequently collaborating with organizations to foster systemic change. Her dual identity as a skilled athlete and a passionate advocate has made her one of the most influential figures in modern sports, earning her significant recognition, including the WNBA's Dawn Staley Community Leadership Award.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

2009: Receipt of the Michael Menichini Award

In 2009, Natasha Cloud was honored with the Michael Menichini Award, a recognition highlighting her accomplishments during her formative basketball career.

2010: Beginning of the 2010 basketball season

During the 2010 basketball season, Natasha Cloud played collegiate basketball prior to her eventual transfer to Saint Joseph's University.

2011: Transfer to Saint Joseph's University

Following the conclusion of the 2011 basketball season, Natasha Cloud made the decision to transfer to Saint Joseph's University to continue her collegiate career.

2011: NCAA Transfer Ineligibility

In 2011, Natasha Cloud was required to sit out the basketball season due to NCAA transfer regulations.

2014: NCAA Tournament and Record-Breaking Season Performance

During the 2014 season, Natasha Cloud achieved a standout performance by averaging 11.5 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 7.6 assists per game, ultimately setting a single-season record at Saint Joseph's University with 243 assists. Her 2014 postseason run included a notable first-round victory over Georgia, where she contributed 13 points and multiple defensive plays, followed by a second-round appearance against Connecticut.

2015: Beginning of Tenure with Beşiktaş

In 2015, Natasha Cloud began her professional basketball career playing for the Turkish team Beşiktaş in Istanbul.

2015: WNBA Draft and Rookie Season Debut

In 2015, Natasha Cloud was selected 15th overall in the second round of the WNBA draft by the Washington Mystics. During her inaugural professional season in 2015, she recorded statistical averages of 3.6 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game while playing approximately 19.3 minutes per contest.

2016: Left Hip Injury during Practice

In 2016, Natasha Cloud experienced a setback in her career when she suffered an injury to her left hip while practicing at the Verizon Center.

2016: Conclusion of Season with Beşiktaş

Natasha Cloud completed her professional basketball season playing for Beşiktaş in Istanbul, Turkey, throughout 2016.

October 10, 2019: WNBA Championship Victory

On October 10, 2019, Natasha Cloud achieved a major career milestone by winning her first WNBA championship with the Washington Mystics.

June 2020: Opting out of the 2020 WNBA season

In June 2020, Natasha Cloud announced her decision to sit out the 2020 WNBA season to prioritize her advocacy for social justice and address concerns related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

December 2020: Forbes 30 Under 30 Recognition

In December 2020, Natasha Cloud was honored by being named to the Forbes 30 Under 30 list, receiving this distinction alongside other prominent WNBA athletes including A'ja Wilson and Chiney Ogwumike.

2021: 2021 FIBA Women's Asia Cup Participation

In 2021, Natasha Cloud competed for Jordan during the 2021 FIBA Women's Asia Cup held in Amman. She led the team to the promotion playoff final but ultimately missed out on advancing to Division A after a defeat against Lebanon.

2022: Commencement of Athletes Unlimited Tenure

In 2022, Natasha Cloud began her tenure playing for the Athletes Unlimited Pro Basketball league, during which she also joined the Player Executive Committee.

2023: All Defense Team Honors and Committee Leadership

During 2023, Natasha Cloud served on the Player Executive Committee and was officially named to the Athletes Unlimited Pro Basketball 2023 All Defense Team.

February 2024: Joining the WNBA Changemakers Collective and VOICEINSPORT

In February 2024, Natasha Cloud officially joined the WNBA Changemakers Collective and partnered with VOICEINSPORT (VIS) to serve as a mentor. This collaboration is focused on supporting young female athletes by encouraging them to remain in sports while fostering the growth of diverse leadership both on and off the basketball court.

August 27, 2024: Natasha Cloud Joins Unrivaled League

On August 27, 2024, it was officially announced that Natasha Cloud would compete in the inaugural season of Unrivaled, a women's 3-on-3 basketball league established by Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart. Throughout her time in the league, Cloud was involved in franchise trade movements, moving from Laces BC to Lunar Owls BC, and eventually playing for Phantom BC, where she recorded averages of 9.7 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 4.7 assists across 18 games.

2024: Signing with the Phoenix Mercury

In 2024, Natasha Cloud transitioned to the Phoenix Mercury after concluding a nine-year tenure with the Washington Mystics.

2024: Conclusion of Athletes Unlimited Participation

Natasha Cloud concluded her playing career with the Athletes Unlimited Pro Basketball league in 2024.

February 2, 2025: Trade to the Connecticut Sun

On February 2, 2025, Natasha Cloud was traded to the Connecticut Sun as part of a complex four-team trade agreement, which also involved players Rebecca Allen, Alyssa Thomas, and Tyasha Harris, as well as a 2025 WNBA draft pick.

March 16, 2025: Trade to the New York Liberty

On March 16, 2025, Natasha Cloud was officially traded to the New York Liberty, a move that involved the exchange of the 7th pick in the 2025 draft and a future first-round draft pick for 2026.

2025: Conclusion of the 2025 WNBA Season

In 2025, Natasha Cloud concluded her basketball season, with all of her professional performance statistics being finalized and updated through the end of the 2025 campaign.

May 4, 2026: Natasha Cloud signs with the Chicago Sky

On May 4, 2026, Natasha Cloud officially signed a one-year contract with the Chicago Sky valued at $550,000. General manager Jeff Pagliocca praised her defensive and playmaking abilities, noting her value as a proven winner on the roster.

2026: Future First-Round Draft Pick Entitlement

In 2026, the terms of the March 16, 2025, trade agreement are fulfilled through the execution of a first-round draft pick being sent to the original team as part of the deal for Natasha Cloud.