With two preseason games under her belt, Beard is all set to start the regular season. Kent Smith/NBAE/Getty Images

At this point the preseason is almost behind us and we’re in final preparations for the season ahead. We’ve been trying to put it together as a team. I think we’re gelling well as a team both offensively and defensively. You can see it in our practices every day. You can see the intensity out there, and that is what I like. We’re going head to head with each other, we’re learning together, and we’re having fun together, on and off the court.

Coming in as a rookie I heard rumors that there isn’t a family atmosphere in the pros; that it’s not like college, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Our team is great. We have a great family atmosphere here and I’m loving every minute of it.

On the court, the intensity level of our practices really excites me. I bring it every day, and that goes for everyone on our team. Physically and mentally, I’m going to be out there giving it my all. It was like that in high school, in college, and now on this level. Nothing has changed, because I’ve prepared myself for this.

On the professional level, everyone comes hard all of the time. It’s our job. Today’s practice was great. It’s an indication of how we look as a team, and what’s going to happen come the start of the season. All intensity, all of the time, and I wouldn’t want it any other way.

As the season approaches, I’ve been getting a lot of attention from the media, but the only thing that I have to do is be myself. People are going to like me for being me. I’m not the type of person that is going to change. It doesn’t matter what kind of attention comes my way, I’m going to be the same person. I think my teammates know that. And the best part of any attention that is thrown my way, is that it is bringing attention to the Washington Mystics. As a team, we are going to make people take notice.

So far in the preseason, we played two completely different teams in terms of playing style. Indiana is a younger team, so that was fast-paced and intense game. Charlotte prefers a slower pace. They slow the game down, and play a lot of half-court. So as a learning experience, it was good to play see two different styles. We lost both games unfortunately, which was real hard on me, but with so many games in such a short period of time, if you lose, you have to move on. Another game is right around the corner, and you have to ignore what happened in the past.

Our opener is on Saturday, and truthfully, I keep forgetting what day it’s on. I think it shows that I’m taking it one day at a time. I don’t look too far ahead. I’m going to keep taking it one day at a time. But don’t worry about me showing up. I got all of the nerves out of the way in preseason, and now I’m ready to go. Watch out.