It had been just a month since Isabelle Harrison signed with the New York Liberty when she received an exciting call from her girlfriend, Natasha Cloud, a seasoned point guard in the WNBA. “She was like, ‘So I might be going to New York, too,’” Harrison recalled. The couple, who have been together for four years, often faced challenges in maintaining their relationship due to their demanding schedules playing for different WNBA teams. Their rare moments together usually occurred during matchups when they would steal an extra night together. As they contemplated the prospect of living, traveling, and competing as teammates on a championship-caliber squad, they knew they had to navigate a new dynamic.
“We just kind of had to learn what that new dynamic would be,” explained Harrison, 31, reflecting on both their relationship and their connections with new teammates. Cloud, 33, described Harrison as “reserved, but she has a really beautiful way of connecting everybody,” contrasting her own more vibrant personality. “I’m just loud and obnoxious, and I bring everyone together,” Cloud added. Despite the challenges, including injuries that have affected their performance this season, the couple's bond has remained strong.
The couple shares a cozy two-bedroom apartment within walking distance of Barclays Center, accompanied by their beloved dogs: Coda and Brody, their energetic 5-year-old pit bulls, and Prince, an adorable 8-year-old Yorkie. As the Liberty prepared for the upcoming WNBA playoffs, which kick off this week, Harrison and Cloud took some time to discuss their training routines between games.
Cloud, who is passionate about her morning routine, shared, “I’m a coffee gal. So I’m big on my Nespresso machine at home because I also like saving money. Who wants to pay $11 for a Starbucks drink that doesn’t taste how you want it to taste anyway?” She added a touch of oat milk to her morning brew before heading to the facility. “The commute is super easy — just a block. I’ll be in around 9:30,” she noted, outlining her typical day that includes treatment, film sessions, and practice.
Harrison discussed her personalized workout routine, emphasizing the importance of keeping strong and toned. “We have customized prep plans — these specific movements and what you need to constantly keep strong and toned,” she explained. “Once you hit 30, you’ve got to get that stretch in.” Despite her disdain for upper-body exercises, she highlighted the need to maintain her physical condition for her role as a forward.
After a long day, Harrison indulged in some self-care. “We went back home and ate our food from the facility — it was sushi day. I took a shower and did a quick beat, like 25 minutes. A little concealer, blush,” she said. Cloud chimed in about the importance of rest, especially given their hectic schedule of playing every other day. “When you do have time to rest, you’re really resting,” she said, emphasizing the physical demand of their season.
When Harrison first moved to New York, she discovered Lazy Sundaes in Dumbo, where she fell in love with their strawberry matcha. “I ordered it. A couple days went by and I think I had, like, four,” she laughed, explaining how her manager reached out to the café for a collaboration. “I’m big on wellness, so I add electrolytes and collagen to the drinks, too,” she added, combining health with indulgence.
Cloud, who is not a matcha fan, surprisingly enjoyed Harrison’s creation. “I would give it an 8.5 out of 10,” she admitted, appreciating the unique blend of banana and caramel that elevated the drink. Their adventures in food also included trying out pho for the first time, with Cloud's initial skepticism easing as they found their go-to order.
Even as a couple, the two acknowledge the need for personal space. “Sometimes we’ll take, like, two, three hours apart,” Cloud shared, highlighting their individual time to recharge. Harrison added, “I just need time to get my mind together. When I’m with Tash, I’m not just Isabelle, I’m also girlfriend.” With their two-bedroom apartment, they appreciate having the space to maintain their own identities while nurturing their relationship.
As the WNBA playoffs approach, Harrison and Cloud are not only focused on their performance on the court but also on strengthening their relationship off the court. With aspirations of moving in together during the offseason, they are committed to finding a balance that allows them to flourish both as athletes and as partners.
