Defensive Player of the Year

Former Washington Mystics guard/forward Alana Beard stands at a glass podium at center court and addresses the crowd during her Hall of Fame induction. Mystics general manager Mike Thibault and Beard's family and friends stand on either side of her.

‘Destructive’ defense, unparalleled scoring put Alana Beard in Mystics Hall of Fame

By Jenn Hatfield / August 24, 2024

The former No. 2 overall pick inspired current Mystics guards to strive to defend like her

As Connecticut Sun guard DiJonai Carrington releases a layup with her arm parallel to the floor, Las Vegas Aces forward A'ja Wilson blocks it. Both players are shown in mid-air with their backs to the camera, their hands sandwiching the ball.

A’ja Wilson named 2023 WNBA DPOY, headlines All-Defensive teams

By Cameron Ruby / September 22, 2023

A’ja Wilson wins second consecutive WNBA Defensive Player of the Year, headlines 10-player defensive selections for 2023.

Four pictures in a collage: on the left, Seattle Storm big wing Breanna Stewart, mid-air, leaps from under the rim to Dallas Wing big Isabelle Harrison and blocks Harrison's shot with her fingertips; on the top-right, Las Vegas Aces center A'ja Wilson extends a hand up and out to deter a shot while keeping her back between Minnesota Lynx center Sylvia Fowles and the basket, as Fowles catches the ball just outside Wilson's reach; on the bottom-left, Connecticut Sun big wing Alyssa Thomas keeps a hand on the side of Washington big wing Elena Delle Donne while they jockey for post position

The Next’s 2022 WNBA Awards: Defensive Player of the Year and All-Defense

By Em Adler / September 2, 2022

Breanna Stewart rises to the top