Natisha Hiedeman Bio
Natisha Hiedeman (born February 10, 1997) is an American professional basketball player for the Minnesota Lynx of the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) and for the Hive of Unrivaled. She was drafted with the eighteenth overall pick in the 2019 WNBA draft, which is the highest of any Marquette basketball player in school history (besides Dwyane Wade) and the highest draft pick for the Big East Conference since conference re-alignment.
Early Life and Background
Natisha Hiedeman was born in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Shortly after her birth, she had to wear a full-body harness due to a hyperextension in her left leg. Her mother had her at a young age, at 19. As a child, Hiedeman played baseball and was the only girl on her team, showcasing her early athletic talent. She attended Green Bay Southwest High School, where she earned the nickname “T-Spoon” after former WNBA star Teresa Weatherspoon. Hiedeman holds school records in triple jump, high jump, long jump, and 100-meter hurdles, indicating her diverse athletic abilities. Hiedeman was recruited to Marquette University after being the leading scorer in the Green Bay Metro area during her high school career. At Marquette, she made an immediate impact, being named to the Big East All-Freshman Team in her first year. She finished her collegiate career as Marquette’s third all-time leading scorer, just 27 points shy of the program record, and was the first Marquette player to reach 300 made three-pointers.
Path to Basketball
Hiedeman’s journey in basketball began in high school, where her impressive performances led to her recruitment by Marquette University. During her time at Marquette, she was recognized for her scoring ability and playmaking skills, earning a spot on the Meyers Drysdale Award Watch List in the 2017–18 season. Her collegiate achievements laid the groundwork for her professional career, culminating in her selection in the 2019 WNBA draft. After being drafted eighteenth overall by the Minnesota Lynx, Hiedeman’s rights were traded to the Connecticut Sun, where she began her professional career. She made her WNBA debut with the Sun and quickly became known for her contributions off the bench. Her early years in the league were marked by steady improvement and increased playing time, leading to her breakout performances in subsequent seasons.
Natisha Hiedeman Career
Early Career (2019–2021)
Hiedeman was drafted in 2019 and began her career with the Connecticut Sun. In her rookie season, she averaged 3.7 points, 1.9 assists, and 1.5 rebounds per game across 20 appearances. She made her mark in the playoffs, scoring a career-high eight points on two occasions. During the 2020 season, she played in all 22 regular season games, leading the team in points and assists off the bench, and averaged a career-high 6.1 points per game. In 2021, Hiedeman signed a qualifying offer to return to the Sun and continued to be a key contributor, appearing in all 32 regular season games and averaging 7.6 points per game. Her performance solidified her role as an important player for the team.
Breakthrough (2022–2024)
The 2022 season marked a significant turning point for Hiedeman as she entered the starting lineup and helped lead the Sun to its fourth WNBA Finals appearance. She averaged career bests of 9.1 points, 3.3 assists, and 1.2 steals per game during the regular season. Hiedeman’s standout performance included tying her career-high with 19 points in a game against the Minnesota Lynx. In 2023, Hiedeman continued to excel, starting all 40 games of the season and averaging 8.5 points per game. Her impressive performance against the Atlanta Dream, where she scored a season-high 24 points, showcased her scoring ability. On January 30, 2024, she was traded to the Minnesota Lynx, where she adjusted to a new role as a backup guard. During the 2024 season, Hiedeman appeared in all 40 games for the Lynx, averaging 4.9 points and contributing significantly during the playoffs, including the WNBA Finals. Her ability to adapt to different roles within the team highlighted her versatility as a player.
Notable Works and Milestones
Hiedeman’s notable achievements include being named the WNBA Commissioner’s Cup Champion in 2024 and receiving the Sylvia Fowles Altruism Award in 2025. Her contributions to the game and her community have been recognized, making her a respected figure in women’s basketball.
Natisha Hiedeman Award Nominations
Throughout her career, Natisha Hiedeman has received several nominations and awards, reflecting her impact on the court and her contributions to the community.
Natisha Hiedeman Awards Won
Hiedeman has won notable awards, including the Sylvia Fowles Altruism Award in 2025, recognizing her selflessness and community involvement.
Natisha Hiedeman Family
Natisha Hiedeman is engaged to Jasmine Thomas, a former player for the Connecticut Sun. Their relationship has been a source of support throughout Hiedeman’s career.
Personal Life
Hiedeman has a brother, Sandy Cohen, who is also involved in basketball, playing for Hapoel Afula B.C. Additionally, she co-hosts a Twitch channel, StudBudz, with her Lynx teammate Courtney Williams, where they gained popularity during the 2025 WNBA All-Star Game. Their channel has led to features in prominent publications, showcasing their off-court personalities.
