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A collection of sponsorship deals, endorsements, and announcements to reveal milestones that these players are achieving.
As players and fans settle into the off-season, there&#8217;s been a temporary pause in action-packed moments from games being shared online. The &#8220;quieter&#8221; coverage of the WNBA allows original, player-created content to shine, but their recent business-related moves are often overshadowed by sports-related coverage. Combining their growing popularity with diverse personal styles, players use an entrepreneurial approach when taking their public image beyond the realm of sports or innovating upon traditional athlete deals. 
While many players head overseas to play during their off-season, other players are inspired to think out of the box by learning new trades or hustling to negotiate brand deals. The last few years of the WNBA have revealed an increasing number of players who are joining prestigious sportswear &#8220;families,&#8221; and there are actually even more WNBA players with brand deals than fans would expect: a <a href="https://sponsorunited.com/women-sports-2022-report/">2022 study on female professional athletes</a> and collegiate NIL athletes found that 3,500 brands bought a total of 5,650 sponsorships in 14 different leagues. 
Navigating traditional sports-related deals, as well as contemporary fashion, beauty, and wellness brands, the rise of entrepreneurship helps players in reaching audiences outside of basketball. When stylish brands like Glossier and Savage x Fenty select players as their brand ambassadors, it confirms that WNBA stars are inspirational figures who can influence non-sports fans. While partnership deals across women’s sports have increased <a href="https://sponsorunited.com/women-sports-2022-report/">20% year-over-year across major U.S. sports</a> (LPGA, NWSL, WNBA, WTA), there&#8217;s a large opportunity for more non-sports brands to invest in female athletes. 
Presenting a summary of innovative deals and unconventional business announcements from WNBA players, this article is the first in a two-part series that explores athlete image. From major, multi-year contracts with leading sportswear brands to custom content in brand ambassador deals, the diverse expressions of these players reflect in their entrepreneurial journeys. Next week, check back for a second article that analyzes these deals through exclusive brand and player insights. 
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Moolah Kicks Launches Two Stylish Players as Brand Ambassadors
Founded in 2020 by Boston College graduate Natalie White, and Moolah<a href="https://www.instagram.com/moolahkicks/"> Kicks</a> is the first basketball sneaker brand built exclusively for women. On October 20, 2022, they signed <a href="https://www.instagram.com/dh3nny/">Destanni Henderson</a> of the Indiana Fever as one of its first ambassadors for the new Neovolt Pro shoe. Recently, on November 22, 2022, Moolah Kicks also signed <a href="https://www.instagram.com/courtneywilliams10/">Courtney Williams</a> of the Connecticut Sun; both players will hoop in the Neovolt Pro in the 2023 WNBA season. 
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Allisha Gray Embarks on a Restaurant Venture 
On September 28, 2022, Dallas Wings player <a href="https://www.instagram.com/graytness_15/">Allisha Gray</a> went on <a href="https://twitter.com/graytness_15/status/1573450229525155840">Twitter</a> to announce her exciting off-season purchase: a <a href="https://www.instagram.com/wnbfactory_official/">WNB Factory</a> franchise in Milledgeville, GA. Although Gray isn&#8217;t from Milledgeville, she is an alumna of Washington County High School in nearby Sandersville. While sports fans frequently travel to athlete-owned restaurants, Gray joins a short list of WNBA restaurant owners that includes Sue Bird, Maya Moore, Deanna Nolan, Alana Beard, Marissa Coleman, and Angel McCoughtry.
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Two Rising Star Players Named to Forbes 30 Under 30
Across the buzzy <a href="https://www.forbes.com/30-under-30/2022/sports">Forbes 30 Under 30</a> on Tuesday, Dallas Wings player <a href="https://www.instagram.com/arike_ogunbowale/">Arike Ogunbowale</a> and New York Liberty player <a href="https://www.instagram.com/sabrina_i/">Sabrina Ionescu</a> were honored on its Sports List. Ogunbowale&#8217;s feature on Forbes mentions her work as a founding member of LeBron James’ ‘More Than a Vote’ initiative and as an investor in Just Women’s Sports. At 25 years old, Ogunbowale has also exhibited on-court excellence at Notre Dame and as a WNBA All-Star. Ionescu’s feature pays respects to her first All-Star recognition, as well as her work as an ambassador for Boardroom, Kevin Durant’s media company, and as a strategic partner with Durant’s Thirty-Five Ventures. 
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Chiney Ogwumike Co-launches the Women’s International Pickleball Association 
During the espnW Women + Sports Summit on November 2, 2022, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/chiney/">Chiney Ogwumike</a> of the Los Angeles Sparks announced the <a href="https://www.instagram.com/wipapickleball/">Women’s International Pickleball Association</a>. Alongside co-founders Rachel Hong, pickleball pro, and Allison Galer, Disrupt the Game president, Ogwumike spoke about empowering aspiring women athletes in the sport. The WIPA notes that it’s one of the fastest-growing games in the world, and with Ogwumike&#8217;s input, the group will create an ecosystem for serving success. 
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Sabrina Ionescu Returns to UO as Director of Athletic Culture
Taking on a part-time job for the off-season, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/sabrina_i/">Sabrina Ionescu</a> of the New York Liberty has been named as the Director of Athletic Culture at the University of Oregon. Working with the Oregon Ducks&#8217; women&#8217;s basketball coach Kelly Graves, Ionescu will aid with student-athlete development, as well as work as a resource for current and future students. 
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Kelsey Plum Joins the Under Armour Roster 
Announced on November 2, Las Vegas Aces player <a href="https://www.instagram.com/kelseyplum10/">Kelsey Plum</a> made waves on social media with news that she&#8217;s joining the <a href="https://www.instagram.com/underarmour/">Under Armour</a> roster of athletes. Sharing a passion for growing the game for the next generation of women in sports, Plum and Under Armour strive to achieve more than the standard brand partnership. While Plum previously signed a multi-year agreement with Nike in 2017, her stellar performance has made her a highly coveted player for any brand. 
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Han Xu Receives Official Co-Signs from Nike and Glossier 
This week, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/hanxu_521/">Han Xu</a> of the New York Liberty announced that she&#8217;s a Nike athlete. As the first Chinese player drafted to the WNBA in 22 years, Han is in a unique position to increase WNBA&#8217;s fanbase in China. Shared on the <a href="https://www.thenexthoops.com/features/locked-on-womens-basketball-fiba-womens-world-cup-final-draws-record-eyes/">Locked on Women’s Basketball podcast</a>, the final game in the FIBA Women&#8217;s World Cup between USA and China was up 227% with an average of 446,000 viewers. Earlier in October, Han also made a rare Instagram post announcing that she&#8217;s also a <a href="https://www.instagram.com/glossier/">Glossier</a> partner. 
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Breanna Stewart Utilizes the Benefits of Therabody
Under a multiyear deal with <a href="https://www.instagram.com/therabody/">Therabody</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/breannastewart30/">Breanna Stewart</a> of the Seattle Storm has shared work-out and recovery tips as an athlete ambassador. Apart from creating original content, Stewart previously invested in Therabody during the company’s funding round, joining investors like Kevin Durant and James Harden. While Stewart has used Therabody after her Achilles surgery, she&#8217;s also spoken out about its benefits during her periods and raised awareness for the impact of menstrual symptoms on female athletes.
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DiJonai Carrington Creates Content for Savage x Fenty Deal
Beginning in January of 2022, Connecticut Sun player <a href="https://www.instagram.com/dijonai__/">DiJonai Carrington</a> has maintained an endorsement deal with <a href="https://www.instagram.com/savagexfenty">Savage X Fenty</a>. Creating original content of herself in the brand&#8217;s garments, Carrington joins an elite rank of traditional style influencers who represent the energy of Rihanna’s lingerie brand. Carrington mentions her endorsement deal in a <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2022/07/24/sports/basketball/wnba-style-fashion-marketing.html">New York Times article</a> on marketing in the W before revealing her game-day beauty routine. 
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Aari McDonald returns to Arizona as Director of Recruiting Operations
Atlanta Dream guard <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarimcdonald/?hl=en">Aari McDonald</a> will return to her alma mater and work with <a href="https://www.instagram.com/arizonawbasketball/?hl=en">Arizona</a>&#8216;s women&#8217;s basketball team as their Director of Recruiting Operations. Rather than venturing overseas, McDonald will be on-campus during the offseason. McDonald expressed her excitement about the opportunity to go back to Tuscon on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CkUqxZ1gqz1/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=">Instagram</a>.
*This article highlights a select few players and does does not represent all players that have created marketing deals.
WNBA reporter Kirsten Chen writes a lifestyle &amp; fashion column on WNBA.com throughout the season and can be reached on Twitter through @hotgothwriter. The views on this page do not necessarily reflect the views of the WNBA or its clubs.

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The W in Designer: Exploring Athlete Image in the Off-Season (Part I)

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The 2020 WNBA season is set to be the most unique in the league’s 24-year history. Teams have arrived at the IMG Academy in Bradenton, FL to begin training camp for a 22-game season with all games played at a single site without fans due to the coronavirus pandemic. The bubble is ready and the season is set to tip off on Saturday, July 25. In the lead up to the season, <a href="https://www.wnba.com/2020-team-by-team-season-previews/">WNBA.com will break down each team in the league</a>, continuing with the Los Angeles Sparks.
<h3>2019 Season Recap</h3>
<ul>
<li>22-12, 1st in West, 3rd in League</li>
<li>Eliminated in playoff semifinals by Connecticut (3-0)</li>
</ul>
<h3>Off-Season Moves</h3>
<ul>
<li>Draft: No. 20 Beatrice Mompreimer, who has been waived; No. 22 Leonie Fiebich, who will not play in the WNBA this season; No. 34 Tynice Martin, who has been waived</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Trades: Acquired Kristine Anigwe and a 2021 third round pick from Dallas and sent back the 2021 second round pick LA received from Dallas in exchange for Marina Mabrey in a previous transaction; Acquired Brittney Sykes and Marie Gülich from Atlanta in exchange for Kalani Brown</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Players Added: Signed Kristi Toliver, Seimone Augustus, Reshanda Gray and Te&#8217;a Cooper as free agents</li>
</ul>
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BRADENTON &#8211; JULY 13: Te&#8217;a Cooper #4 of the Los Angeles Sparks smiles during practice on July 13, 2020 at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida.
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<ul>
<li>Players Lost: Alana Beard retired; Alexis Jones waived; Chiney Ogwumike, Kristi Toliver and Maria Vadeeva have opted out of the 2020 WNBA season</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Returning Players: Nneka Ogwumike, Candace Parker, Riquna Williams still under Te&#8217;aOcontract; Re-signed Chelsea Gray, Tierra Ruffin-Pratt, Sydney Wiese; Exercised Team Option for Maria Vadeeva</li>
</ul>
<h3>Who&#8217;s at IMG Academy</h3>
Between free agency, trades, the draft and players choosing not to participate in the season due to health concerns, the teams that take the court in 2020 may look a lot different than they did in 2019. Here’s a look at some of the key players that will represent the Sparks in 2020.
Candace Parker
<ul>
<li>2019 Stats: 22 GP, 26.0 MPG, 11.2 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 3.5 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.8 BPG, 42.2 FG%, 26.7 3P%</li>
<li>Parker missed a dozen games last season due to injury and averaged career lows nearly across the board, with her scoring average (11.2 PPG) well below her career average of 17.0. The two-time league MVP must be healthy for the Sparks to stay in championship contention.</li>
</ul>
Nneka Ogwumike 
<ul>
<li>2019 Stats: 32 GP, 27.9 MPG, 16.1 PPG, 8.8 RPG, 1.8 APG, 1.9 SPG, 0.5 BPG. 51.0 FG%, 33.8 3P%</li>
<li>Ogwumike earned All-WNBA Second Team honors in 2019 as she ranked ninth in the league in scoring, fourth in rebounding and fifth in steals. She followed that up with another strong effort as president of the player’s association and the <a href="https://www.wnba.com/news/wnba-and-wnbpa-reach-tentative-agreement-on-groundbreaking-eight-year-collective-bargaining-agreement/">new collective bargaining agreement</a> with the league.</li>
</ul>
Chelsea Gray
<ul>
<li>2019 Stats: 34 GP, 32.6 MPG, 14.5 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 5.9 APG, 1.0 SPG, 41.6 FG%, 38.2 3P%</li>
<li>Gray earned her first All-WNBA First Team honor in 2019 as she ranked second in the league in assists and tied for 13th in scoring. The Point Gawd strikes a great balance of setting up her teammates and calling her own shot – <a href="https://go.nba.com/khs1">particularly in clutch situations</a>.</li>
</ul>
Seimone Augustus
<ul>
<li>2019 Stats (Lynx): 12 GP, 13.0 MPG, 3.8 PPG, 0.6 RPG, 1.3 APG, 0.4 SPG, 31.3 FG%, 16.7 3P%</li>
<li>Seeing Seimone Augustus in anything other than a Lynx jersey is going to take some getting used to. The 14-year veteran is the 11th leading scorer in WNBA history (5,881 points) and while 2019 was a difficult year due to injury, a healthy Augustus adds depth and championship experience to the roster.</li>
</ul>
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BRADENTON &#8211; JULY 13: Seimone Augustus #33 of the Los Angeles Sparks handles the ball during practice on July 13, 2020 at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida.
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Riquna Williams
<ul>
<li>2019 Stats: 23 GP, 25.8 MPG, 12.3 PPG, 2.6 RPG, 1.6 APG, 1.1 SPG, 2.3 3PM, 38.4 FG%, 39.1 3P%</li>
<li>Williams had her most productive season since joining the Sparks in 2017 as she finished third on the team in scoring and second in the league in 3-pointers made per game (2.3) and <a href="https://go.nba.com/mx5a">eighth in 3-point percentage</a>(39.1%).</li>
</ul>
Brittney Sykes
<ul>
<li>2019 Stats (Dream): 34 GP, 25.9 MPG, 10.2 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 2.5 APG, 0.6 SPG, 36.5 FG%, 25.9 3P%</li>
<li>Sykes joins the Sparks after spending the first three seasons of her career with the Atlanta Dream. She brings athleticism and a defensive mindset that should help the Sparks fill the void left by two-time Defensive Player of the Year Alana Beard, who retired after the 2019 season.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Three Questions</h3>
1. Will L.A.’s experienced core carry them in the shortened season?
While many teams across the WNBA are adding significant new pieces to their roster, the core of the Sparks squad is essentially intact from a season ago, led by the trio of Parker, Nneka Ogwumike and Gray. This will also be the second season under head coach Derek Fisher as he now as a full season of WNBA experience under his belt heading into 2020. Developing chemistry quickly is important, particularly in a shortened season, and the Sparks may have a leg up on the competition with so many returning pieces.
2. Can the Sparks overcome the absences of Chiney Ogwumike and Toliver?
There are two key members of the Sparks that have elected not to play in 2020 – Chiney Ogwumike and Kristi Toliver. Ogwumike reunited with her older sister Nneka in 2019 when she joined the Sparks after spending the first five years of her career in Connecticut. After missing two full seasons due to injuries (knee and Achilles), Ogwumike and Sparks decided to err on the side of caution with the compacted schedule.
Toliver signed as a free agent to return to the Sparks after spending the past three seasons in Washington, where she helped the Mystics win their first WNBA title in 2019. She was set to return to L.A. – where she helped the Sparks win the 2016 title – but that reunion will have to wait until 2021. The Sparks are still loaded with talent, but the fact is they will not have a pair of All-Stars on their roster this year. While that does open the door for others to step up, it could hurt their overall depth.
3. Will depth become an issue if the injury bug hits?
Health is paramount for all teams that hope to contend for the championship in any season. That importance is heightened in such a unique season as 2020 will be with only a 22-game schedule to earn a playoff berth and position.
Both Parker and Augustus missed double-digit games last season due to injury – a repeat of that could be devastating to L.A.’s championship aspirations. How ready are young players such as Kristine Anigwe, Marie Gülich, Reshanda Gray and Te’a Cooper to play major minutes if needed? One or more of those less-established players may need to have a breakout season for the Sparks to compete for the title this season.

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2020 WNBA Team Preview: Los Angeles Sparks

In honor of Alana Beard&#8217;s WNBA retirement, take a look back at the highlights from her historic career.
&#8220;Champion&#8221; by Mayo Tribbs | UnitedMasters 
<a href="http://untd.io/r/ATMAeSLtZhHP?utm_source=nba">http://untd.io/r/ATMAeSLtZhHP?utm_source=nba</a>

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Alana Beard Career Highlights

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Beard Cements Legacy as One of the Greatest Defenders in League History 
LOS ANGELES – Los Angeles Sparks guard/forward Alana Beard has retired from the WNBA after 15 historic seasons with the Los Angeles Sparks and Washington Mystics. Beard’s storied career was filled with accolades, including winning back-to-back Defensive Player of the Year Awards in 2017 and 2018. In 2016, she helped the Sparks capture their third WNBA title. She finishes her career third all-time in steals in WNBA history with 710.
“On behalf of the entire Sparks family I’d like to thank Alana Beard for her historic contributions to our organization and the WNBA,” Sparks Managing Partner and Governor Eric Holoman said. “Not only does Alana leave the WNBA as a champion and one of the best defenders in the league’s history, she leaves as one of the greatest teammates and professionals the WNBA has ever seen. Alana will forever be a Spark and we’ll continue to support her and be a resource as she enters the next stage of her life and career.”
Beard earned nine WNBA All-Defensive Team selections, including five First Team honors (2007, 2012, 2016, 2017, 2018) and four Second Team (2005, 2006, 2009, 2014) honors. She was named to the WNBA All-Star team four times (2005-2007, 2009).
“I am so grateful for the many years I’ve been able to play the game I love, for the amazing players I’ve had the opportunity to play with and compete against, and for the tremendous fans I’ve been lucky enough to play in front of,” Beard said. “I am excited for my next chapter and ready to pursue my next career. I look forward to using my platform to create opportunities for the communities that supported me throughout my journey, women and people of color.”
For her career, Beard averaged 11.3 points, 3.4 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.7 steals per game, while shooting 43.5% from the field. Beard played in 419 regular season games, starting 402, and made 42 playoff appearances.
Beard was drafted second overall in the 2004 WNBA Draft by the Mystics. She attended Duke University where she became the first NCAA player to score 2,600 points, dish out 500 assists and record 400 steals. Beard is from Shreveport, Louisiana.

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Alana Beard Retires From WNBA

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NEW YORK, Sept. 12, 2017 – Los Angeles Sparks guard/forward Alana Beard, this season’s WNBA Defensive Player of the Year, leads the 2017 WNBA All-Defensive Team, the WNBA announced today.  This marks the fourth All-Defensive First Team selection for Beard, who became the second Sparks player to win Defensive Player of the Year (Lisa Leslie, 2004 and 2008).
Beard received 11 First Team votes (55 points) from a panel of the WNBA’s head coaches, making her the only unanimous pick.  The 12 coaches selected First and Second Teams by position and were not permitted to vote for players from their own teams.  Players earned five points for each First Team vote and three points for each Second Team vote.
Joining Beard on the WNBA All-Defensive First Team are Sparks forward Nneka Ogwumike (49 points), Minnesota Lynx center Sylvia Fowles (49 points), Connecticut Sun guard Jasmine Thomas (49 points) and New York Liberty forward Tina Charles (22 points).
The WNBA All-Defensive Second Team consists of Phoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner (41 points), Connecticut forward Alyssa Thomas (21 points), Minnesota’s Rebekkah Brunson (20 points) at forward and Maya Moore (16 points) at guard, and Indiana Fever guard Briann January (13 points).
Beard led the WNBA in steals for the first time, averaging 2.09 per game while starting all 34 of Los Angeles’ games.  In addition to her four All-Defensive First Team selections, Beard has four Second Team nods.
Ogwumike makes her third straight appearance on the All-Defensive First Team.  The 2016 WNBA MVP ranked third in the league in steals with 1.85 per game and tied for eighth in defensive rebounds with 5.9.  Behind Beard and Ogwumike, the Sparks were second in defensive rating (96.0 points per 100 possessions) and points allowed (75.2 ppg).
For Fowles, a three-time Defensive Player of the Year, the All-Defensive appearance is her eighth overall and sixth on the First Team.  She tied for second in the league in blocks with 1.97 per game, ranked fifth in defensive rebounds with 6.8 and contributed 1.29 steals.  The four-time All-Star selection anchored a Minnesota defense that led the WNBA in defensive rating (94.1) and points allowed (74.2 ppg).
Jasmine Thomas made the All-Defensive First Team for the first time in her seven-year career after appearing as a Second Team selection for the first time last season.  The 2017 All-Star averaged a career-high 1.59 steals (fourth in the WNBA), including a season-high five steals in three straight games from July 8-13.
The WNBA All-Defensive Second Team features Griner, a two-time WNBA Defensive Player of the Year.  The four-time All-Star selection led the WNBA in blocks (2.5 bpg) for the fifth consecutive season.
Alyssa Thomas, an All-Star for the first time this season, was named to the All-Defensive Team for the first time.  The Sun forward averaged career highs with 5.4 defensive rebounds and 1.5 steals, and she set single-game bests in defensive rebounds (13), steals (seven) and blocks (four).
Brunson added another honor to a 14-year career that includes four WNBA titles.  This is the fifth All-Defensive Second Team nod for Brunson, who has one First Team selection.  Brunson is the WNBA’s all-time leader in offensive rebounds (1,129) and has the fourth-most defensive rebounds (2,058).
Moore, the 2014 MVP, was named to the Second Team for the second time in her career.  The three-time WNBA champion tied a career high with 1.88 steals (second in the league).
January has been chosen to the All-Defensive Team six times in eight seasons, all spent with the Fever.  This is her second time on the Second Team to go with four First Team honors.
2017 WNBA All-Defensive First Team
<table style="height: 165px;width: 521.2px">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 155px">Player</td>
<td style="width: 176px">Team</td>
<td style="width: 93px">Position</td>
<td style="width: 74.2px">Points</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 155px">Alana Beard</td>
<td style="width: 176px">Los Angeles Sparks</td>
<td style="width: 93px">Guard</td>
<td style="width: 74.2px">55</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 155px">Sylvia Fowles</td>
<td style="width: 176px">Minnesota Lynx</td>
<td style="width: 93px">Center</td>
<td style="width: 74.2px">49</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 155px">Nneka Ogwumike</td>
<td style="width: 176px">Los Angeles Sparks</td>
<td style="width: 93px">Forward</td>
<td style="width: 74.2px">49</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 155px">Jasmine Thomas</td>
<td style="width: 176px">Connecticut Sun</td>
<td style="width: 93px">Guard</td>
<td style="width: 74.2px">49</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 155px">Tina Charles</td>
<td style="width: 176px">New York Liberty</td>
<td style="width: 93px">Forward</td>
<td style="width: 74.2px">22</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp; 
2017 WNBA All-Defensive Second Team
<table style="height: 165px;width: 521.2px">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 155px">Player</td>
<td style="width: 176px">Team</td>
<td style="width: 93px">Position</td>
<td style="width: 74.2px">Points</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 155px">Brittney Griner</td>
<td style="width: 176px">Phoenix Mercury</td>
<td style="width: 93px">Center</td>
<td style="width: 74.2px">41</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 155px">Alyssa Thomas</td>
<td style="width: 176px">Connecticut Sun</td>
<td style="width: 93px">Forward</td>
<td style="width: 74.2px">21</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 155px">Rebekkah Brunson</td>
<td style="width: 176px">Minnesota Lynx</td>
<td style="width: 93px">Forward</td>
<td style="width: 74.2px">20</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 155px">Maya Moore</td>
<td style="width: 176px">Minnesota Lynx</td>
<td style="width: 93px">Guard</td>
<td style="width: 74.2px">16</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 155px">Briann January</td>
<td style="width: 176px">Indiana Fever</td>
<td style="width: 93px">Guard</td>
<td style="width: 74.2px">13</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

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Defensive Player of the Year Alana Beard Headlines 2017 WNBA All-Defensive Team

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NEW YORK, Sept. 12, 2017 – Los Angeles Sparks guard/forward <a href="http://www.wnba.com/player/alana-beard/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Alana Beard</a> has been named the 2017 WNBA Defensive Player of the Year, the WNBA announced today.  Beard earned the honor for the first time in her 12-year career and became the second Sparks player to win the award, joining Lisa Leslie (2004, 2008).
Beard received 28 votes from a national panel of 40 sportswriters and broadcasters.  Three-time WNBA Defensive Player of the Year Sylvia Fowles of the Minnesota Lynx finished second with five votes, while two-time winner Brittney Griner of the Phoenix Mercury was third with four votes.  Sparks forward Candace Parker earned two votes and Connecticut Sun forward Alyssa Thomas received one vote.
Beard led the WNBA in steals for the first time, averaging 2.09 per game while starting all 34 of Los Angeles’ games.  Behind Beard, the Sparks paced the WNBA in steals (9.29 spg) and opponents’ turnovers per game (16.4).  They also ranked second in defensive rating (96.0 points per 100 possessions) and points allowed (75.2 ppg).
On Aug. 18, the four-time All-Star had a season-high seven defensive rebounds to go with a season-high-tying five steals in a 115-106 double-overtime road win against the Chicago Sky.  Beard also had five steals in a 78-68 home victory against the Seattle Storm on May 13, the opening day of the WNBA season.
Also this season, Beard averaged 6.9 points, 3.3 rebounds and 2.2 assists and shot a career-best 49.7 percent from the field.  Her contributions helped the defending champion Sparks (26-8) finish with the third-most victories in franchise history and earn a double bye as the No. 2 seed in the WNBA Playoffs 2017 presented by Verizon.  Los Angeles opens its postseason tonight against Phoenix in Game 1 of the Semifinals (10 p.m. ET, ESPN2).
Beard has been selected to the WNBA All-Defensive Team seven times.  The former Duke star was the second overall pick in the 2004 WNBA Draft and played six seasons for the Washington Mystics before joining the Sparks in 2012.  She ranks fourth on the WNBA’s all-time steals list with 654, the most among active players.
In honor of being named the WNBA Defensive Player of the Year, Beard will receive $5,000 and a specially designed trophy from Tiffany &amp; Co. 
Below are the voting results for the 2017 WNBA Defensive Player of the Year award and a list of past recipients:
2017 WNBA DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR VOTING RESULTS
<table style="height: 151px;width: 492px">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 157px">Player</td>
<td style="width: 191.8px">Team</td>
<td style="width: 123.2px">Votes</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 157px">Alana Beard</td>
<td style="width: 191.8px">Los Angeles Sparks</td>
<td style="width: 123.2px">28</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 157px">Sylvia Fowles</td>
<td style="width: 191.8px">Minnesota Lynx</td>
<td style="width: 123.2px">5</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 157px">Brittney Griner</td>
<td style="width: 191.8px">Phoenix Mercury</td>
<td style="width: 123.2px">4</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 157px">Candace Parker</td>
<td style="width: 191.8px">Los Angeles Sparks</td>
<td style="width: 123.2px">2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 157px">Alyssa Thomas</td>
<td style="width: 191.8px">Connecticut Sun</td>
<td style="width: 123.2px">1</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp; 
ALL-TIME WNBA DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR AWARD WINNERS 
&nbsp; 
2017: Alana Beard (Los Angeles Sparks) 
2016: Sylvia Fowles (Minnesota Lynx) 
2015: Brittney Griner (Phoenix Mercury) 
2014: Brittney Griner (Phoenix Mercury) 
2013: Sylvia Fowles (Chicago Sky) 
2012: Tamika Catchings (Indiana Fever) 
2011: Sylvia Fowles (Chicago Sky) 
2010: Tamika Catchings (Indiana Fever) 
2009: Tamika Catchings (Indiana Fever) 
2008: Lisa Leslie (Los Angeles Sparks) 
2007: Lauren Jackson (Seattle Storm) 
2006: Tamika Catchings (Indiana Fever) 
2005: Tamika Catchings (Indiana Fever) 
2004: Lisa Leslie (Los Angeles Sparks) 
2003: Sheryl Swoopes (Houston Comets) 
2002: Sheryl Swoopes (Houston Comets) 
2001: Debbie Black (Miami Sol) 
2000: Sheryl Swoopes (Houston Comets) 
1999: Yolanda Griffith (Sacramento Monarchs) 
1998: Teresa Weatherspoon (New York Liberty) 
1997: Teresa Weatherspoon (New York Liberty)

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Los Angeles’ Alana Beard Named 2017 WNBA Defensive Player of the Year

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Alana Beard with 4 Steals against the Liberty

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Alana Beard with 5 Steals against the Mystics

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Ever wonder what WNBA insiders think about the best teams, players and coaches in the league? Once again, WNBA.com posed questions to the league&#8217;s general managers to learn what the people who make the decisions really think about these topics and more.
GO TO: <a href="http://www.wnba.com/news/2015-gm-survey-season-predictions">Season Predictions</a> | <a href="http://www.wnba.com/news/2015-gm-survey-best-players-coaches">Best Players/Coaches</a> | <a href="http://www.wnba.com/news/2015-wnba-gm-survey-defense/">Defense</a> | <a href="http://www.wnba.com/news/2015-wnba-com-gm-survey-offseason/">Offseason</a> | <a href="http://www.wnba.com/news/2015-wnba-com-gm-survey-miscellaneous/">Miscellaneous</a>
<h3>Who is the best perimeter defender in the WNBA?</h3>
1. Tamika Catchings = 17% 
Briann January = 17% 
Angel McCoughtry = 17% 
Tanisha Wright = 17% 
2. Alana Beard = 8% 
DeWanna Bonner = 8% 
Armintie Herrington = 8%
<h3>Who is best interior defender in the WNBA?</h3>
1. Brittney Griner = 75% 
2. Tamika Catchings = 8% 
Angel McCoughtry = 8% 
Erika de Souza = 8%
<a href="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2015/06/150602-Griner-900.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-3015" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2015/06/150602-Griner-900.jpg" alt="150602-Griner-900" width="900" height="250" /></a>
<h3>Who is the best on the ball defender in the WNBA?</h3>
1. Briann January = 33% 
2. Tamika Catchings = 25% 
3. Angel McCoughtry = 8% 
Odyssey Sims = 8% 
Tanisha Wright = 8% 
Washington = 8%
<h3>Which is the best defensive team in the WNBA?</h3>
1. Indiana Fever = 50% 
2. Washington Mystics = 17% 
3. Atlanta Dream = 8% 
Minnesota Lynx = 8% 
Phoenix Mercury = 8%

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2015 WNBA.com GM Survey: Defense

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It’s not often that a team that starts the season with an 0-8 record is optimistic at the All-Star break. However, after enduring its worst start in franchise history, the Washington Mystics have rebounded by going 7-4 heading into the break and stand just one and a half games out of the playoffs as the second half of the season is about to get underway. All-Stars Alana Beard and DeLisha Milton-Jones have been key to the Mystics revival. Beard, who leads the team and is sixth in the league in scoring at 18.6 points per game, was voted into the All-Star game as a reserve by the Eastern Conference coaches for the third consecutive year. 
After attending All-Star games in Connecticut and New York City the past two years, Beard is happy to have the festivities taking place in Washington, D.C. this year. WNBA.com’s Brian Martin spoke with Beard to discuss hosting this year’s All-Star game, the Eastern Conference trying to start an All-Star winning streak, and the Mystics’ turnaround to get back into the playoff picture.
Q. This is your third straight All-Star Game and each time you’ve been voted in by the coaches, what does that mean to you to have the coaches vote you in each year? 
BEARD: &#8220;I look at it as a true testament to my game and the coaches obviously see that I’ve improved something in my game every year and that I’m doing positive things for my team. For me to be voted in by the coaches is a privilege because they know the game better than anyone.&#8221;
&#8220;I think we match up pretty well. I’m not the one to talk trash, but I’m a firm believer that if you’ve got Tamika Catchings, you’ve got a win. So I’m good to go.&#8221; 
Q. It has to be nice not to have to travel for the game this year? 
BEARD: &#8220;That’s what I’ve been saying to everyone, that the best part of the game being in D.C. is that I don’t have to pack or travel. I can sleep in my own bed and just wake up and play in the game.&#8221;
Q. Do you have any family coming to the game and staying with you? 
BEARD: &#8220;It’s just my sister and my niece that are coming. It’s kind of hard to bring family in because we’re so busy.&#8221;
Q. So what hosting duties do you have? Is the team throwing any parties? 
BEARD: &#8220;We’re going to throw a party after the game. It will probably start around 10, just to give the players something to do. Several of our teammates Nakia Sanford, DeLisha Milton-Jones, Nikki Teasley and I have gotten together to do the party.&#8221;
Q. D.C. is your WNBA city, so what recommendations would you make for places to see, restaurants to eat at, clubs to go to? 
BEARD: &#8220;Around the arena, one of my favorites is Rosa Mexicana. Lauriol Plaza is another good one, I’m really big on Mexican food. And I’d have to say Georgia Brown&#8217;s as well.&#8221;
Q. The East won for its first time last year &#8230; can you get a streak started? 
BEARD: &#8220;Hopefully we can keep it going. I think we have a good group of girls on the East squad.&#8221;
Q. How do you think the East matches up with the West? 
BEARD: &#8220;I think we match up pretty well. I’m not the one to talk trash, but I’m a firm believer that if you’ve got Tamika Catchings, you’ve got a win. So I’m good to go.&#8221;
Q. What are your thoughts about playing for Bill Laimbeer? 
BEARD: &#8220;I’m excited. You hear a lot of stories about him, but I think he’s a good guy, I think he’s funny. I always said I wouldn’t mind playing for him so this is my chance.&#8221;
Q. What are you looking forward to most at this all star game? 
BEARD: &#8220;Just playing in front of my hometown fans because I think we have the best fans in the league. They continued to support us through all of the turmoil that we’ve gone through this year and they are always there. So it definitely has to be playing in front of our fans.&#8221;
Q. Any inspiration to go for the MVP this year? 
BEARD: &#8220;We’ll see, you never know how things are going to turn out. I’m going to have fun and I’m going to play the game like I know how and we’ll see what happens.&#8221;
Q. I know All-Star is a busy weekend&#8230; is there part of you that wouldn&#8217;t mind just having the long weekend off to relax? 
BEARD: &#8220;Not at all. No part of me wants to have a long weekend at All-Star. It’s great publicity for the league, so anything I can do to get the league’s name out there I’m happy to do.&#8221;
Q. How is the shoulder feeling? Will you wear the shoulder sleeve the rest of the season? 
BEARD: &#8220;I definitely have my good days and bad days with it. I’m going to keep getting treatment for it. I’m actually going for treatment in a few minutes. I’m going to keep working through it and the only way to get through it is to shoot, so we’ll see.&#8221;
Q. Let’s talk about the season for a minute, the team got off to the slow start, but has now won seven out of 10 games and you&#8217;re only one game out of playoffs. Can you describe the roller coaster ride the first half of the season has been for this team? 
BEARD: (Surprised) &#8220;We are only one game out of the playoffs?&#8221;
Q. Yes. You guys are one game behind the Sun.* 
BEARD: &#8220;Impressive. I’m excited. It’s been hard. It’s probably been the most frustrating time I’ve ever had basketball-wise. But I’m just so proud of my teammates. I’m so proud of these women because we’ve continued to stay together off the court. I think the fact that we have such a tight knit off the court really helped us on the court and now we have the continuity going and that’s all you need. Once you get the continuity going on the court, then you’re good to go.&#8221;
Q. How about playing for Tree Rollins? How has that been for you? 
BEARD: &#8220;I love it. I love it. Tree is a great guy as well as a great coach. He’s been on the NBA side and he knows the game and he knows what players want and how players want to play. He gives us a structure and allows us go out and play the game ourselves. I really love his philosophy.&#8221;
Q. What does it mean to have a teammate with you on the All-Star team? 
BEARD: &#8220;I’m so excited. Other than not having to pack and travel, I’ve always said that I’m really excited about having a teammate on the team in DeLisha so I don’t feel as lonely. Every other all-star game I’ve gone to I just felt like everyone else had their teammate there and now I have my teammate with me so I’m good.&#8221;
* Editors note: The standings have changed since the time of this interview. At the time of the interview, the Mystics were one game behind the Connecticut Sun. The Mystics are now one and a half games behind the Sun after the Connecticut&#8217;s win over Sacramento on Thursday night.

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All-Star Q&amp;A: Washington’s Alana Beard

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Alana Beard

Career Highlights:
<ul>
<li>WNBA Champion (2016)</li>
<li>WNBA Defensive Player of the Year (2017, 2018)</li>
<li>WNBA All-Star (2005, 2006, 2007, 2009)</li>
<li>All-WNBA Second Team (2006)</li>
<li>WNBA All-Defensive First Team (2007, 2012, 2016, 2017, 2018)</li>
<li>WNBA All-Defensive Second Team (2005, 2006, 2009, 2014)</li>
<li>Most career steals among active players (697)</li>
<li>All-time steals leader in Washington Mystics history</li>
<li>No. 2 overall pick in the 2004 WNBA Draft (Washington)</li>
<li>First woman to win the John R. Wooden, State Farm Wade Trophy and Naismith Player of the Year Awards</li>
<li>Duke’s first National Player of the Year and three-time ACC Player of the Year</li>
</ul>
2019 (Los Angeles):
<ul>
<li>Missed 15 games due to hamstring injury</li>
<li>Scored a season-high 10 points on August 16 against Chicago</li>
<li>Averaged 3.3 points, 1.4 assists, 1.5 rebounds in 14.7 minutes per game</li>
<li>Beard’s 14.7 minutes per game average was the lowest of her career</li>
</ul>
2018 (Los Angeles):
<ul>
<li>Collected her second consecutive WNBA Defensive Player of the Year Award, which marked her ninth-career WNBA All-Defensive Team selection</li>
<li>Played and started in 30 regular-season games as well as starting both playoff games</li>
<li>Averaged 4.0 points, 3.3 rebounds and 1.4 steals in 25.5 minutes per game and shot 40.0 percent from beyond the arc</li>
<li>Averaged at least 1.0 steals per game for the 13th consecutive season</li>
<li>Notched a season-high 11 points in a 77-75 win over the eventual 2018 champions Seattle Storm on July 10</li>
<li>Missed four regular-season games with a strained groin</li>
<li>Averaged 5.0 points 3.0 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game during the playoffs when the Sparks reached the second round</li>
</ul>
2017 (Los Angeles):
<ul>
<li>Named Defensive Player of the Year</li>
<li>Averaged 6.9 points, 3.3 rebounds, 2.2 assists and started in all 34 games</li>
<li>Shot a career-high 49.7 percent from the field</li>
<li>Led the league in steals averaging 2.1 per game and averaged at least 1.0 steals per game for the 12th consecutive season</li>
<li>Recorded at least one steal in 32 of the 34 games</li>
<li>Logged a season-high five steals twice against Seattle on May 13 and Chicago on Aug. 18</li>
<li>Scored a season-high 18 points in a win over Chicago on June 6</li>
<li>Had at least 10 points in 10 games this season</li>
<li>Averaged 7.0 points, 3.6 rebounds and 1.6 steals per game during the playoffs, helping the Sparks reach back-to-back WNBA Finals</li>
</ul>
2016 (Los Angeles):
<ul>
<li>Played and started in all 34 games and averaged 7.1 points, 3.3 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game</li>
<li>Ranked second in the league in steals per game (1.7)</li>
<li>Averaged at least 1.0 steals per game for the 11th consecutive season</li>
<li>Moved into the top 25 on the WNBA’s career scoring list, top 10 in career steals and top 30 in career assists</li>
<li>Tallied a season-high five steals in a victory over Washington on May 20</li>
<li>Selected to WNBA All-Defensive First Team for the third time</li>
<li>Averaged 10.2 points, 4.2 rebounds and 4.4 assists in the WNBA Finals series against Minnesota</li>
<li>Registered eight points, six assists and four rebounds in the Sparks’ 77-76 Game 5 win over Minnesota to win the WNBA Championship on Oct. 20</li>
</ul>
2015 (Los Angeles):
<ul>
<li>Averaged 7.8 points, 3.1 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game in 14 regular season games</li>
<li>Ranked fifth in the league in steals per game (2.1)</li>
<li>Averaged at least 1.0 steals per game for the 10th consecutive season</li>
<li>Scored a season-high 20 points in a loss to Seattle on June 6</li>
<li>Played her 300th career game on Aug. 16 against Chicago</li>
<li>Missed 15 games of the regular season due to injury (June 16 through July 22 and on Aug. 11)</li>
<li>Averaged 6.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 1.7 steals in three games played of the Western Conference Semifinals</li>
<li>Tied a career playoff-high four steals in Game 2 of the semifinals against Minnesota on Sept. 20</li>
</ul>
2014 (Los Angeles):
<ul>
<li>Started all 33 games played and averaged 8.5 points, 2.6 rebounds and 2.5 assists</li>
<li>Scored 17 points on 7-of-12 shooting and recorded five assists in the opening night win over Seattle on May 16</li>
<li>Logged a season-high 20 points to go along with five assists and four rebounds in a win over Tulsa on June 19</li>
<li>Racked up 17 points, a season-high seven rebounds and a team-high six assists in a victory over Indiana on July 28</li>
<li>Scored a team-high 18 points (16 second-half points) on 8-of-11 from the field in a 70-69 win over Connecticut on Aug. 3</li>
<li>Earned WNBA All-Defensive Second Team honors</li>
<li>Started in both playoff games and averaged 6.0 points and 4.5 rebounds in 23.9 minutes per game</li>
</ul>
2013 (Los Angeles):
<ul>
<li>Started all 32 games played and averaged 6.2 points, 2.3 rebounds and 1.4 assists</li>
<li>Recorded a season-high eight rebounds to go along with 11 points and four steals in a win over Connecticut on Aug. 27</li>
<li>Hit game-winning shot with 10.2 seconds remaining in a victory over Seattle on July 20</li>
<li>Scored a season-high 13 points in three different games (Seattle on May 26, Atlanta on July 17 and Tulsa on Aug. 25)</li>
<li>Averaged 9.0 points, 4.3 rebounds and in three playoff games</li>
<li>Logged 12 points, nine rebounds, two blocks and two steals in a playoff career-high 39 minutes of action in an 82-73 Game 2 win over Phoenix of the Western Conference Semifinals</li>
</ul>
2012 (Los Angeles):
<ul>
<li>Played in all 34 games and started 33</li>
<li>Averaged 11.4 points, 3.3 assists and 3.3 rebounds per game</li>
<li>Notched a career-high 10 assists and season-high 23 points against San Antonio on June 16</li>
<li>Recorded 400th career steal against Seattle on Aug. 18</li>
<li>Finished season ranked sixth among league leaders in steals averaging 2.0 per game</li>
<li>Earned WNBA All-Defensive First Team honors for the second time</li>
<li>Averaged 16.5 points, 3.5 assists, 2.3 rebounds and 1.8 steals in four playoff games</li>
<li>Racked up 18 points, three assists and two steals in her first postseason game with the Sparks (San Antonio on Sept. 27)</li>
</ul>
2011 (Washington):
<ul>
<li>Missed the 2011 season with a foot injury</li>
</ul>
2010 (Washington):
<ul>
<li>Missed the 2010 season due to ankle surgery during the offseason</li>
</ul>
2009 (Washington):
<ul>
<li>Started 30 games and averaged a team-high 15.9 points per game</li>
<li>Recorded a career-high 72 steals, which ranked fifth in the league, and ranked third in steals per game (2.3)</li>
<li>Ranked eighth in the league in made field goals with 188</li>
<li>Turned in a season-high 31-point performance in a win over Chicago on June 20</li>
<li>Selected to the WNBA All-Defensive Second Team</li>
<li>Named a starter in the WNBA All-Star game</li>
<li>Averaged 9.5 points, 2.5 assists and 2.0 rebounds in two games during Washington’s first-round series against Indiana</li>
</ul>
2008 (Washington):
<ul>
<li>Started all 33 games and averaged 16.1 points, 3.6 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game</li>
<li>Finished sixth in the league in total steals with 72 on the season</li>
<li>Went 6-of-8 from beyond the arc en route to a career-high 33 points against Phoenix on June 3</li>
<li>Led the team in scoring (532), assists (117) and steals (55)</li>
<li>Scored double figures 25 times and led the team in scoring for the fourth consecutive year</li>
<li>Registered her 2,500th career point against Connecticut on July 27</li>
</ul>
2007 (Washington):
<ul>
<li>Averaged a team-high 18.8 points her game while shooting a career-high 84.7 percent from the free throw line</li>
<li>Finished the season ranked fourth in the league in total points (622), third in minutes played (1,169), third in field goals made (224) and fourth in steals per game (1.9)</li>
<li>Logged a season-high 29 points against Phoenix on June 20</li>
<li>Grabbed her 500th career rebound against Houston on July 18</li>
<li>Collected her 2,000th career point against Seattle on Aug. 11</li>
<li>Earned third consecutive WNBA All-Star game appearance and second consecutive All-Star game start</li>
<li>Named to WNBA All-Defensive First Team</li>
<li>Missed one game due to a shoulder injury</li>
</ul>
2006 (Washington):
<ul>
<li>Had a breakout season averaging a career-high 19.2 points per game while shooting a career-high 49.5 percent from the field</li>
<li>Started in 32 games and recorded at least 20 points in 18 games</li>
<li>Finished the season ranked sixth in the league in both points and steals per game</li>
<li>Registered her first-career double-double logging 24 points and 10 rebounds against Indiana on June 27</li>
<li>Named a starter for the Eastern Conference All-Star team and earned All-WNBA Second Team honors</li>
<li>Missed two games due to a sprained ankle</li>
<li>Averaged 15.0 points, 5.0 rebounds and 1.0 assists per game in two contests during Washington’s first-round series against Connecticut</li>
</ul>
2005 (Washington):
<ul>
<li>Started 30 games and averaged 14.1 points, 4.3 rebounds and 3.0 assists</li>
<li>Finished the season ranked ninth in scoring and 10th in minutes per game</li>
<li>Played a career-high 48 minutes in a double overtime win over Indiana on June 18</li>
<li>Named to the Eastern conference All-Star team and earned WNBA All-Defensive Second Team honors</li>
</ul>
2004 (Washington):
<ul>
<li>Started in all 34 games and averaged 13.1 points, 4.2 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 2.0 steals per game while shooting 41.8 percent from the field</li>
<li>Averaged 22.5 points during the team’s last six games of the season</li>
<li>Set a franchise record for most steals in a season logging 69 steals</li>
<li>Led the team in steals, assists, blocks and minutes played</li>
<li>Was a candidate for both Defensive Player of the Year and Rookie of the Year</li>
<li>Averaged 16.7 points, 5.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 2.7 blocks and 2.0 steals during Washington’s first-round series against Connecticut</li>
</ul>
Transactions:
<ul>
<li>Selected by the Washington Mystics in the first round with the second overall pick of 2004 WNBA Draft</li>
<li>Signed by the Los Angeles Sparks as a free agent on Feb. 8, 2012</li>
</ul>
Overseas:
<ul>
<li>Shinsegae Coolcat (2005-2006)</li>
<li>Elitzur Ramla (2007)</li>
<li>Elitzur Ramla (2011-2012)</li>
<li>Wisla Can-Pack Kraków (2012-2013)</li>
<li>Perfumerias Avenida (2015-2016)</li>
</ul>
International:
<ul>
<li>Named to the USA Basketball Women’s World Championship team in 2006</li>
<li>Finished second in scoring behind Diana Taurasi averaging 18.0 points per game and helped the team to a bronze medal finish</li>
<li>Member of the USA Basketball Women’s U18 national team which won the gold medal at the FIBA Americas Championship in Mar Del Plata, Argentina in July of 2000</li>
<li>Started all five games and led all scorers with 15.4 points per game during the team’s run</li>
</ul>
College:
<ul>
<li>Compiled a 126-14 (.900) record at Duke</li>
<li>Won four Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) regular season and four ACC Tournament titles</li>
<li>Helped Duke advance to four NCAA Tournaments, including the 2002 and 2003 Final Fours</li>
<li>Became the first Duke women’s basketball player to have her jersey retired</li>
<li>Named the 2004 Associated Press (A.P.) and U.S. Basketball Writers Association (USBWA) National Player of the Year and was the 2004 Wade Trophy recipient</li>
<li>Earned 2003 NCAA All-Final Four honors and was a three-time (2002, 2003 and 2004) All-American selection by the A.P., USBWA and Kodak/WBCA</li>
<li>Three-time ACC Player of the Year and ACC All-Defensive Team selection (2002, 2003, 2004)</li>
<li>Was a four-time All-ACC first team honoree</li>
<li>The National Freshman of the Year in 2001 as selected by USBWA, Sports Illustrated, CBS Sportsline and the Women’s Basketball Journal</li>
<li>Capped her career as Duke’s all-time leading scorer with 2,687 points</li>
</ul>
Personal:
<ul>
<li>Full name: Alana Monique Beard</li>
<li>Born May 14, 1982 in Shreveport, Louisiana</li>
<li>Daughter of LeRoy and Marie Beard</li>
<li>Has a Yorkshire terrier, Chloe</li>
<li>Ambassador for WNBA’s Dribble to Stop Diabetes campaign</li>
<li>Founded the Alana Beard Foundation where she sponsors seven girls AAU basketball teams, which foster a “no-excuse” environment to provide the young women of tomorrow with the necessary resources critical to achieving success on or off court</li>
<li>Intern at Next Play Capital in San Francisco, California</li>
</ul>

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