Dana Beechie returns for her third season as the Idaho State team manager. Just seven games into the season, Beechie was asked to put on a uniform and join the squad as a player.

"It's a dream come true for me," said Beechie. "I am so thankful to be a member of this team. I am very fortunate because of the circumstances. I love being part of the team. It's like one big dream."

Manager-turned-player Dana Beechie Drives the baseline for two points against Montana State.

Beechie, a junior from Boise, worked with the Bengals during the 2003-04 season, assisting the team with practices, film work, road trips and worked on the bench during games. She traveled with the team to the Big Sky Tournament in Missoula, Montana. She also traveled with the team to Ames, Iowa for ISU's first-ever trip to the Women's National Invitational Tournament.

"I'm really excited that Dana decided to come back and be a part of our staff again," Head Coach Jon Newlee said. "She did such a tremendous job last year. I think that in all the years I've been coaching that she is the best manager that I've been able to work with. Having her back will make everything so much smoother for our staff, as well as for our players, since she knows all the returners."

Beechie was a two-sport athlete for Bishop Kelly High School where she lettered in both basketball and golf.

She was the team captain as a senior in basketball and received honorable mention All-District recognition. As a senior she helped Bishop Kelly to the state championship game.

She also played four years for the BKHS golf team, helping the team to the 4A state title three times.

As strong in the classroom as she was on the court, Beechie was a four-year member of the honor roll and graduated with a 3.9 grade point average. She was a member of the National Honor Society.

Her parents are Scott and Becky Beechie and she has one sister, Beth. She is majoring in Secondary Education at ISU.