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Former Duke Great Alana Beard Retires
1/24/2020 1:12:00 PM | Women's Basketball
DURHAM, N.C. – Former Duke National Player of the Year and WNBA All-Star, Alana Beard, announced her retirement from the WNBA Thursday, after a 15-year run in professional basketball 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 finished her career third all-time in steals in WNBA history with 710.
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 professional 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, a native of Shreveport, La.
For her Duke career, Beard compiled 2,687 points, 789 rebounds, 509 assists, 404 steals and 149 blocks. She left the collegiate ranks as one of the best players to play in the history of the NCAA and became the first Blue Devil to have her No. 20 jersey retired.
Beard left Duke as the all-time leading scorer for men and women and was a two-time National Player of the Year selection. Beard led the Blue Devils to two NCAA Final Four appearances and became only the second woman to be named Associated Press first team All-America on three occasions. She finished her career with eight ACC Championships- four tournament and four regular season titles. Beard led Duke to a 126-14 record over four seasons with the Blue Devils.
#GoDuke
What They are Saying About Alana Beard -
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 finished her career third all-time in steals in WNBA history with 710.
A huge congratulations to Alana Beard for her incredible professional career!
— Joanne P. McCallie (@CoachPDuke) January 23, 2020
Her leadership and longevity have been impressive and beneficial to the development and growth of the WNBA. Alana will have a great career beyond the W in anything she chooses. @Alanabeard20 ?????? https://t.co/SjHyLFBBK6
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."
Extremely thankful for all the memories the game has given me but most grateful for the relationships I've built throughout my journey. Thank you??! #takingmytalentstomommyhood ??? https://t.co/N1nt7fEkLg
— Alana Beard (@Alanabeard20) January 23, 2020
For her professional 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, a native of Shreveport, La.
For her Duke career, Beard compiled 2,687 points, 789 rebounds, 509 assists, 404 steals and 149 blocks. She left the collegiate ranks as one of the best players to play in the history of the NCAA and became the first Blue Devil to have her No. 20 jersey retired.
???????????? Many great moments over many years! Love you @Alanabeard20 and welcome to retirement ?? https://t.co/AISmW8cd9C
— Monique Currie (@Mocurrie25) January 22, 2020
Beard left Duke as the all-time leading scorer for men and women and was a two-time National Player of the Year selection. Beard led the Blue Devils to two NCAA Final Four appearances and became only the second woman to be named Associated Press first team All-America on three occasions. She finished her career with eight ACC Championships- four tournament and four regular season titles. Beard led Duke to a 126-14 record over four seasons with the Blue Devils.
#GoDuke
What They are Saying About Alana Beard -
Welcome to retirement @Alanabeard20 well deserved after an amazing career ????
— Kobe Bryant (@kobebryant) January 23, 2020
One of the greatest defenders & fiercest competitors to ever play the game. I still remember that bow you wore in your hair at Duke as you dominated the ACC & the country effortlessly on both ends. You persevered to win WNBA D POY awards you deserved. We salute you @Alanabeard20! pic.twitter.com/CGoKwarzRr
— LaChina Robinson (@LaChinaRobinson) January 23, 2020
Alana Beard to be clear!! ?????? https://t.co/S335A5KRvY
— Nolan Smith (@NdotSmitty) January 24, 2020
A true legend and amazing human being. Congrats on an incredible career @Alanabeard20! https://t.co/TQHClFPIJK
— Elizabeth Williams (@E_Williams_1) January 23, 2020
1?5? Historic #WNBA Seasons
— WNBA (@WNBA) January 23, 2020
?Back-to-back Defensive Player of the Year Awards
9? All-Defensive Team Selections
Thank you @Alanabeard20! #ThankYouAlana
?? "Champion" by @MayoTribbs | @unitedmasters
?? https://t.co/8ujntl0lon pic.twitter.com/g37yXwLXsS
Once ?@Alanabeard20? was told she would never play basketball again after severe ankle & foot injuries. She refused to quit. She fought back becoming a @WNBA champion and defensive warrior. I feel blessed to have watched her. So much love and respect. Enjoy retirement Queen pic.twitter.com/k9U199ENTN
— Holly Rowe (@sportsiren) January 23, 2020
Alana Beard announces her retirement.#ThankYouAlana
— Los Angeles Sparks (@LA_Sparks) January 23, 2020
Full Release » https://t.co/4ZQzOFH4lZ pic.twitter.com/jCdBJ725pv
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