Fruits of Her Labors; For Alana Beard, Hard Work Comes With the Territory

Washington Mystics guard Alana Beard has followed the same philosophy since her basketball career began to blossom at Louisiana's Southwood High: Work now, Play later.

"Everything you do now is setting yourself up for later," she said. "You never know what the future holds."

Beard, today's keynote speaker, knows the demands placed on successful teenage athletes. She led her high school to two state titles and was one of the nation's most sought-after recruits before accepting a scholarship to play for Duke. She's entering her third season as a professional basketball player in…