New Beginnings and Rising Stardom: Natasha Cloud’s Impact on the WNBA and Beyond

Unexpected Connections and a New Chapter in New York

In a delightful twist of fate, Natasha Cloud was overjoyed upon discovering her locker was positioned right next to Breanna Stewart’s. The newest addition to the New York Liberty wasted no time in sharing that Stewart, a two-time WNBA Most Valuable Player, had personally requested the proximity. Little did Stewart realize, this would mark the start of a playful, ongoing interaction-an inside joke that has since become a hallmark of their camaraderie. Welcome to the “Cloud 9” experience, where personality and team spirit blend seamlessly.

Social Media and Personalities: Amplifying the Team’s Vibe

Cloud’s vibrant personality quickly became a social media sensation, especially through her humorous series titled, “What bag did Stewie bring today?” showcasing luxury designer handbags from brands like Bottega Veneta, Gucci, Christian Dior, and even Puma-despite her Nike endorsement, which she humorously acknowledged. Her playful antics have not only highlighted her own charisma but also brought a new level of energy to the Liberty’s locker room.

Meanwhile, fellow Olympic gold medalist Sabrina Ionescu has also showcased her lively side, famously twerking in a handstand while Cloud held her ankles, further emphasizing the team’s spirited environment. Stewart praised Cloud’s influence, describing her as a source of relentless energy both on and off the court, noting her infectious enthusiasm and positive vibe that elevates everyone around her.

From Washington to Brooklyn: A Journey of Growth and Connection

Since arriving in New York, Cloud has made an immediate impact, helping the Liberty to a remarkable start this season. The team, defending champions, set a franchise record with nine consecutive wins, a feat that underscores their dominance early in the campaign. Cloud’s role has been pivotal, and she’s emerging as a strong candidate for her first All-Star selection. Her influence is evident across the organization, from leadership to gameplay.

Joining a team with seasoned veterans requires a nuanced approach, and Cloud’s strategy was to integrate herself thoroughly. She moved to New York a month before training camp, prioritizing relationship-building with teammates, staff, and management. General Manager Jonathan Kolb remarked that her proactive approach demonstrated her dedication to the team’s collective success, fostering respect and camaraderie from the outset.

“My main goal was to contribute meaningfully from day one,” Cloud explained. “By doing so, I earned the respect of players like Stewart, Ionescu, and Jones, while also finding my place within the team dynamic.”

Overcoming Challenges and Finding a New Home

Cloud’s transition wasn’t without hurdles. A significant setback occurred in February when she was involved in a trade that sent her from the Connecticut Sun to the Phoenix Mercury, a move that surprised her given her belief that Phoenix would be her long-term home. She had signed with Phoenix as a free agent just a year prior, expecting stability, only to learn about her trade through social media-a moment she described as “scary” and “brutal.”

Her experience underscores the often harsh realities of professional sports, where business decisions can deeply affect players’ lives. Cloud emphasized the importance of transparent communication, advocating for more human-centered approaches in team management.

At 33, Cloud sought a fresh start, eager to return to the Finals and find a team where she felt truly valued. Her persistence paid off when the Liberty acquired her in March, a move she credits as a turning point. She expressed feeling genuinely accepted and appreciated for her authentic self-whether her energetic, playful side or her more relaxed demeanor-creating a sense of peace and belonging she hadn’t felt before.

On-Court Excellence and Immediate Impact

Cloud’s arrival has translated into immediate success on the court. In her debut game, she scored a season-high 22 points, adding nine assists, six rebounds, three steals, and two blocks in a decisive victory over the Las Vegas Aces. Her subsequent performances included 18 points, eight assists, and four rebounds against the Chicago Sky, and a crucial steal off Caitlin Clark in a narrow win over Indiana Fever. Her stellar play earned her the Eastern Conference Player of the Week honor-her first in a decade-long career.

Her statistical contributions have been extraordinary, with a plus-minus rating of +140 through the first seven games-a league record for a season’s start. Her assist-to-turnover ratio (3.62) and steal percentage (2.86) are career bests, reflecting her efficiency and defensive prowess.

Analysts and teammates alike have lauded her acquisition. Meghan McKeown of Ion Television called Cloud “possibly the best addition of the offseason,” praising her communication skills, defensive tenacity, and swagger. Former Mystics teammate Shatori Walker-Kimbrough highlighted her grit and contagious energy, especially on defense.

Defensive Prowess and Team Synergy

Cloud’s defensive capabilities are a perfect fit for the Liberty’s top-ranked defense, which boasts a league-best rating of 93.5 and ranks second in opponent scoring at 76.3 points per game. Her role often involves guarding the opposition’s top perimeter scorer, allowing her teammates to focus on help defense, thanks to the team’s long, versatile defenders.

Offensively, Cloud operates as the fourth scoring option behind Stewart, Ionescu, and Jones. This positioning often grants her open driving lanes, as opponents hesitate to help off the star players. Her average of 6.3 assists per game places her third in the league, and she ranks ninth in all-time assists in WNBA history.

While her integration has been largely seamless, there have been moments of adjustment. Coach Sandy Brondello occasionally benches her to maintain team chemistry, but Cloud’s impact remains undeniable. Her clutch three-point play late in a recent game exemplifies her ability to influence outcomes under pressure.

“She’s been thrown into the fire, stepping into a championship-winning team and taking on a leadership role,” Ionescu noted. “She’s adapting quickly and making a difference.”

Kolb summarized her role succinctly: “She’s the piece that amplifies what we already have, elevating the team’s overall performance.”

Advocacy and Community Engagement

Beyond basketball, Cloud is a passionate advocate for social justice. Her activism has historically focused on issues like gun violence awareness and community outreach, particularly in Washington’s Ward 8. Now in New York, she’s eager to leverage her platform to promote equality and human rights.

She has already partnered with organizations like Girls for Gender Equity, which supports Black girls and gender-expansive youth of color. Cloud’s outspoken stance on social issues aligns with her belief that sports figures have a responsibility to advocate for change.

Her presence at Barclays Center is palpable, from her energetic practice contributions to her visible support for causes like gun violence prevention-wearing a “Wear Orange” shirt during games to raise awareness. Her voice, both literal and figurative, continues to resonate within the team and the community.

Looking Ahead: A Bright Future in Brooklyn

While her stint with Phoenix was a challenging chapter, Cloud views it as a vital learning experience. Her journey underscores the importance of resilience and growth through adversity. Since stepping into her new role in Brooklyn, she radiates contentment, embracing the city, her team, and her purpose.

As she stepped through the doors of Barclays Center, greeted by the digital marquee welcoming her to Brooklyn, it was clear that this chapter is just beginning. Her coach and GM both agree-Cloud is more than just a player; she’s a catalyst for success and a beacon of authenticity in the league.