Sparks ink Beard

Feb 9, 2012 - 4:44 AM Los Angeles, CA (Sports Network) - The Los Angeles Sparks signed four-time WNBA All-Star Alana Beard on Wednesday.

Per team policy, terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

Beard, a guard/forward, missed the 2010 and 2011 campaigns with ankle and foot injuries, respectively.

Prior to her injuries, Beard averaged 16.2 points, 4.2 rebounds 2.9 assists and 1.9 steals per game in six seasons with the Washington Mystics.

She earned WNBA All-Star Game selections from 2005-07 and again in 2009 -- three times as a starter.

"I'm excited that Alana has decided to join our Sparks family," Sparks vice president and general manager Penny Toler said. "Alana is healthy and motivated to return to her All-Star form, and just as important she's hungry to help the Sparks win a Championship. Alana is a proven winner and her leadership qualities will be a tremendous asset to the Sparks."

Beard is currently playing in Israel with Elitzur Ramla.

"I am extremely thankful and grateful to Sparks owners Paula and Roosevelt Madison, Penny Toler, Coach Ross and the entire organization for this opportunity," Beard said. "I look forward to being a part of this team and playing with some of the best frontcourt players in the game in Candace Parker, DeLisha Milton-Jones and Ebony Hoffman."