Beyonce Bea is moving from one of the smallest countries in the world to one of the largest to continue her basketball career.
The 2019 Washougal High School graduate, who is currently finishing her first professional season in Luxembourg, has signed a contract with the South West Metro Pirates women’s basketball team of the NBL1, a semi-professional league in Australia.
“Australia has always been at the top of my list when I considered playing overseas,” Bea said. “I also had a couple of college teammates from Australia, and they always spoke highly of their experience playing there and the lifestyle in general. I knew I wanted to go if I had the chance — not only to play basketball, but also to visit and hopefully reconnect with my friends. I’m really excited to get to Australia, start the season, and, when I’m not busy with basketball, explore a bit as well.”
The NBL1, the second-highest tier of professional basketball in Australia, according to the league’s website, includes more than 70 clubs, split into five conferences, playing from late March to August.
The Pirates, based in Queensland, Australia, are one of 12 clubs in the league’s Northern Conference.
“My goals are to keep improving on the court, help the team win in any way I can, and to fully enjoy the opportunity to play basketball and experience life in a new country,” Bea said.
The Pirates are excited to welcome Bea to their organization, according to a February social media post.
“Beyonce has already proven herself as a powerhouse on the court,” the post said. “Currently playing in Luxembourg, Beyonce continues to dominate. We can’t wait to see what she brings to the Pirates and are thrilled to have her join the team.”
Bea, who led Washougal High School to a 2A state tournament championship in 2019 and went on to play for the University of Idaho and Washington State University, signed a one-year contract with AB Contern of the Luxembourg Basketball League in 2024.
“My time in Luxembourg has been incredibly rewarding. I couldn’t have asked for a better rookie experience overseas,” she said. “I feel blessed to have signed with such a great club that takes excellent care of its players. From the start, the staff and my teammates have been welcoming, kind and encouraging throughout the season. Our team has performed well, and we’ll be starting the playoffs soon with the goal of winning the championship.”
Bea shined in her first professional campaign, averaging more than 18 points and 10 rebounds per game while leading her squad to a third-place league finish.
“I’ve met a lot of wonderful people here and had the chance to travel to other countries that I might not have visited otherwise, which has been a lot of fun,” she said. “While it’s tough being so far from home for such an extended period and adjusting to life in a new country, overall, it’s been a very positive experience, and I’m thankful for it.”
Doug Flanagan: 360-735-4669; doug.flanagan@columbian.com
