While some may associate 11 years in the league as a time where players tend to show their age, Sky guard Natasha Cloud proves everyday that she continues to defy outside noise. 

From Aug. 16 to Aug. 21, Cloud is recording her most productive stretch of the season, averaging an impressive 24.0 points, 8.0 rebounds and 4.3 assists while shooting 53.5% from the field, 55.6% from beyond the arc and 94.1% from the line. The seasoned guard is recording her most efficient season, shooting a career-high 47.5% from the field.

It’s no coincidence that under Cloud’s prime efficiency, Chicago has achieved its first three-game win streak since September 2023. The Sky’s recent success is fueled behind Cloud’s contagious energy, resilience through adversity and pure shooting.

“That’s what you get with Natasha Cloud,” head coach Tyler Marsh said. “You get both sides of the ball. You get physicality and toughness. You get someone that can guard four positions, sometimes five positions on the defensive end, and we feed off of her energy.”

Cloud’s drive to contribute on all sides of the floor have led to recent consecutive career outings. On Aug. 18, Cloud registered a career-high 35 points, nine rebounds and six assists against her former team, the New York Liberty. In her standout performance, Cloud became the first Sky player to ever hit 35 or more points, five or more rebounds and five or more assists in a game. 

Shortly after, on Aug. 21, Cloud tied her career high in three-point field goals made, sinking all five of her shots from deep to lift Chicago to victory over the second-place Golden State Valkyries. 

With a keen defensive eye and ability to facilitate on the floor, Cloud continues to feed into her teammates in addition to fostering her own success. She leads the team in assists this season with an average of 5.0 per game and is consistently leading the team in passing each game.

“I really love this team,” Cloud said. “They picked me up in Seattle and they did it again [against New York]. When you feel safe to be yourself, to be human, it really does translate how safe you feel on the court.”

The trust and comfortability that Cloud has woven into the culture in Chicago has greatly contributed to the Sky’s recent success. Cloud continues to push through adversity and exemplify the undeniable impact she brings on the floor. 

“My feet are where I’m supposed to be,” Cloud said. “I know I have a lot to give to this game. I’ve been an underdog all my life, so it doesn’t matter who counts me out. I count myself in every time, and I’m going to prove myself right every time.”

Cloud is determined to use the Sky’s current momentum to energize the final push of the season while continuing to put her best foot forward everyday. 

“We’re not giving up,” Cloud said. “It doesn’t matter how many games we have left on our schedule. It doesn’t matter what the percentages are for playoffs. This team is going to continue to play and prove ourselves.”