New York Liberty guard Natasha Cloud recently celebrated the announcement of the Unrivaled offseason league’s debut in Philadelphia, where she will play for the Phantom, one of the four teams participating in the event. This milestone is especially meaningful for Cloud, who recalls how pivotal moments and mentors in her early life shaped her both as a basketball player and as a person.
During a media event at the Alan Horwitz “Sixth Man” Center, Cloud expressed her gratitude to her youth coach, Mr. Ross, who conducted early morning basketball practices in a Baptist church on City Avenue. “I hope he sees this,” she stated, underscoring his influence on her work ethic and career trajectory.
Cloud considers her return to Philadelphia a “dream come true,” as she plays a role in reinvigorating professional women’s basketball in her hometown ahead of the WNBA’s anticipated arrival in 2030. This re-emergence of women’s basketball is expected to offer inspiration to local youth, many of whom look up to her as a champion and advocate both on and off the court.
Reflecting on her journey, Cloud highlighted the early support from her Aunt Dawn, a role model who encouraged her to embrace her individuality and strength. As a Broomall native, she displayed her passion for the game at a young age, turning her home basketball hoop into a community hub where she honed her skills alongside neighborhood kids. With notable figures like Allen Iverson and Dawn Staley as inspirations, she developed her game against all levels of competition.
Cloud’s high school career at Cardinal O’Hara was marked by outstanding achievements, including winning a PCL title and earning All-State honors in her senior year. Renowned coach Linus McGinty recognized her potential early on, appreciating her unselfish play as a point guard along with her tenacious defense against future WNBA stars.
Despite transferring from Maryland to St. Joseph’s to be closer to family, Cloud continued to flourish, particularly on the defensive end. Her hard work ultimately earned her accolades, including being named the Atlantic 10 Defensive Player of the Year in 2014. Cloud’s impact at St. Joe’s was significant; she played a crucial role in the team’s success during her tenure, exemplifying her drive and determination.
Beyond her college accomplishments, Cloud’s professional career has taken her to new heights. She won the WNBA championship with the Washington Mystics in 2019 and led the league in assists in 2022, solidifying her reputation as one of the league’s top players. Committed to social justice, she has actively used her platform to speak out on critical issues, even opting out of the 2020 season to focus on activism.
Despite her success, Cloud remains deeply connected to her Philadelphia roots. She frequently visits her hometown, works out with the St. Joe’s team, and hopes to have her jersey retired by both St. Joe’s and Cardinal O’Hara while her family is around to witness the honor.
As she prepares for her games with the Phantom at the Xfinity Mobile Arena, Cloud is eager to play before her family and friends. The support from local fans and former coaches further fuels her passion for the game and commitment to inspiring the next generation of athletes. “We’re confident in who we are,” she said, embodying the spirit of Philadelphia.
Cloud carries her home city with her wherever she goes, and her return for the Unrivaled league is not just a personal milestone but a celebration of community support and the potential for women’s sports in Philadelphia.