DURHAM, N.C., Jan. 19 (UPI) -- Alana Beard will become the first female basketball player to have her number retired by Duke University.
Beard's No. 20 will be hung from the rafters of Cameron Indoor Stadium Saturday before the top-ranked Blue Devils' game against Tennessee.
Duke coach Gail Goestenkors said the honor is well-deserved.
"She has taken us to new heights and is one of the best women's basketball players to ever play the game," Goestenkors said.
The 2003 National Player of the Year, Beard is the school's all-time leading women's scorer with 2,311 points.
Beard called the announcement "a blessing and honor."
"To be considered one of the best to have played at Duke with all the great athletes who have come through this program over the years is truly amazing for my family and me," she said. "This is a great step for women's basketball at Duke and I hope to see more jerseys hung along mine in the future."
