The Jaguar Female Student-Athlete of the Year, Beard posted a 22-7 overall record, with a 1.23 earned-run average, .141 opponents' batting average and 224 strikeouts in 164 2/3 innings to help USA return to the NCAA Tournament for the third year in a row. The junior was voted second-team all-region by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association and was a first-team all-Sun Belt Conference selection after ranking in the top 10 in the country in hits allowed per 7 innings, ERA and strikeouts per 7 innings, while she ranked first or second in the league in those categories as well as strikeouts, wins and shutouts.
