Natasha Cloud

 

Born & raised right outside of Philadelphia, Natasha Cloud has made herself into one of the best point guards in the WNBA. After graduating from Cardinal O'Hara High school ('10) located in Delaware County, PA, Cloud headed off to play at the University of Maryland. At Maryland, Cloud appeared in 31 of the 32 games making 9 starts and averaging 2.5 minutes.

 

Having the strong desire to be closer to her family, Cloud transferred home to Saint Joseph's University in Philadelphia, a short 20-minute car ride from her childhood home, where both her parents still reside. Redshirting her first season gave Natasha time to spend with her family, learn the Hawks offense and defense inside and out, and learn the game from a different perspective. Eager to finally put that Hawks jersey on, Cloud's redshirt sophomore season at Saint Joe's was one to remember.

 

Cloud led the Hawks to a memorable season finishing with an Atlantic 10 Conference championship where Cloud was named Most Outstanding Player. Cloud lead the Hawks to their first NCAA tournament appearance in over 10 seasons against Vanderbilt. Although the Hawks fell short, Cloud ended the game with 10 points and six assists.

 

The following two seasons, Natasha Cloud led the Hawks to another NCAA appearance, finishing in the top four of the A10 conference, and being on the first team All Atlantic 10 all three seasons. Cloud was Defensive Player of the year her redshirt junior season.

 

Cloud was also on the Atlantic 10 All-Defensive Team all three seasons at Saint Joseph's. Her standout career at Saint Joseph's opened up the eyes of Mystics head coach, Mike Thibault, to get Cloud in the WNBA and be a part of his program. Coach Mike Thibault watched Cloud and the Hawks battle the soon-to-be 2015 Atlantic 10 champions, George Washington. Being more and more impressed with Cloud's point guard skill set, defensive whit, and top leadership qualities, Coach Mike Thibault shared with Tash that he wanted to draft her in the 2015 WNBA draft.

 

Being drafted in the second round, 15th overall, Cloud graduated from Saint Joesph's and headed right down south to Washington DC to start her very first training camp. Cloud reached her expectations her rookie season. Averaging 19 MPG, 3.2 PPG, and 3.4 APG. In her second season, Cloud 24 MPG, 5.7 PPG, 2.8 APG. The third season with the Mystics, Cloud struggled with injuries, as her numbers were a little decreased from previous seasons. Third season Cloud averaged 18.7 MPG, 4.4 PPG, & 2.9 APG. Natasha Cloud's fourth season has been a season of grit, determination and a focused mindset. With the regular season ending and the playoff season beginning, Cloud currently stands at 26.2 MPG, 8.7 PPG, 4.7 APG.

 

She has become the glue for this Mystics team. Cloud entered the league as a top defender in the WNBA. Over the last four years, she has developed into the consummate point guard and floor general. This year, in particular, Cloud has become a major scoring threat in addition to being a lockdown defender and an elite passer. Not only is she a phenomenal basketball player, she's an even better person.

 

Follow Cloud @t__cloud9 on all of your favorite social media sites.