FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (May 3, 2023) – Northern Arizona University head women's basketball coach
Loree Payne has announced the addition of Leia Beattie to the 2023-24 roster. Beattie, a 5-9 guard, transfers in after three seasons at Montana State. She brings a wealth of veteran experience to NAU and will join the Lumberjacks as a senior with two years of eligibility remaining.
The Midland, Texas, native earned All-Big Sky honorable mention honors and was named the league's Top Reserve as a junior. She helped guide the Bobcats to a 20-11 overall record and a share of the regular season title along with Northern Arizona and Sacramento State after averaging a career-high 9.4 points per game which was third on the team. As a sophomore, Beattie poured on 9.2 points per game and led MSU to an NCAA Tournament appearance along with a regular season championship.
The 2022-23 season saw Beattie play in 31 games with 13 starts, averaging 22.3 minutes per game. She shot 41.7 percent from the field and was an 89.2 percent free throw shooter. A sharp shooter, Beattie led the Bobcats with 52 three-pointers made at a 36.4 percent clip, making at least three triples in nine different contests with a season-high of six against Weber State. She scored in double figures 10 times, scoring 27 points against San Jose State and 26 against Weber State. Beattie was also third on the team in assists (1.4) and steals (1.2) per game.
During her sophomore campaign, Beattie started 33 of 35 games played and made 55 three-pointers. She scored in double figures 15 times and averaged 4.4 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and 1.5 steals per game. As a freshman, she averaged 3.7 points and 2.1 rebounds per contest.
Her career totals at MSU include 46 starts in 89 games played, averaging 21.8 minutes and 7.7 points per game. Through three seasons, she shot 39.7 percent from the field, 34.2 percent from three-point range, and 80 percent at the free throw line. She has 699 career points and was a captain her junior year.
Beattie prepped at Midland Classical Academy (MCA) where she played volleyball, basketball, and tennis. As a senior on the basketball court, Beattie averaged 24.4 points, 5.6 rebounds, 5.2 assists and 5.4 steals per game, shooting 52.3 percent from the field. A four-year starter and captain, she ended her career with 3,010 points which is an MCA school record. Beattie also earned first-team all-state all four years.
She was a two-time first-team all-state selection and led the Lady Knight volleyball squad to a state championship as a junior.
Beattie is working towards a degree in finance. She is the second Bobcat transfer for the 'Jacks this season, joining graduate transfer guard Grace Beasley.
