From Louisiana high school standout to four-time Hall of Famer

SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS) –A distinguished alumna of Southwood High School and former Louisiana Gatorade Player of the Year, has been officially inducted into the Class of 2025 WNBA Hall of Fame.

Known as a powerhouse on the court, Alana Beard has won championships at every level, from high school to the WNBA and internationally. She was even the first women’s basketball player to have her jersey number retired at Duke University.

This induction has cemented her legacy as one of the greatest players in women’s basketball history, reminding us of her top-tier reputation that started far before her time in the WNBA.

Beard emerged as a forced to be reckoned with at Southwood High School, where she led her high school team to four consecutive state championships.

She won a bronze medal at the 2001 FIBA Women’s Junior World Championship in the Czech Republic.

She left Southwood High as the all-time leading scorer.

Beard continued to shine at the collegiate level, making history as the first player in women’s or men’s NCAA history to achieve 2,600 points, 500 assists, and 400 steals, showcasing her all-around talent and determination on the court. Beard’s collegiate achievements garnered national attention when she became the first woman to secure the prestigious John R. Wooden Award, the State Farm Wade Trophy, and the Naismith Player of the Year Award during her time at Duke University.

Drafted as the second overall pick in the 2004 WNBA Draft by the Washington Mystics, Beard enjoyed a successful 15-season career in the league, playing for the Mystics and later the Los Angeles Sparks. She won a WNBA championship with the Sparks in 2016. She earned the title of WNBA Defensive Player of the Year in 2017 and 2018. She was also named to the first-team All-Defensive team five times, solidifying her reputation as one of the greatest defenders in WNBA history.

Beard announced her retirement in January 2020 during an interview on The Tim Fletcher Show, leaving behind a remarkable legacy in women’s basketball.

Beyond her playing career, Beard is committed to giving back to her community.

She is the founder of The 318 Foundation, a non-profit organization committed to closing the opportunity gap for girls in historically underserved communities, combining sports, leadership development, and mentorship to help girls in grades 9 through 12 realize their full potential.

The foundation’s goal is to bring essential resources into these communities, enabling girls to develop and share their talents in any field or industry worldwide.

She is being recognized with her fourth Hall of Fame induction. She previously was inducted into the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame (2023), the Washington Mystics Hall of Fame (2024) and the Duke Hall of Fame (2025).

Beard’s induction into the WNBA Hall of Fame recognizes her remarkable achievements in basketball, emphasizing her significant impact on the sport and bringing to the forefront her dedication to sharing that love with her community.

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