Kara Lawson has a history of success in women’s basketball, including a championship with the Sacramento Monarchs in the WNBA. As the head coach of Duke women’s basketball, Lawson has made significant strides, recently leading her team to win its second consecutive ACC tournament crown. This achievement comes after a challenging start to the season, where Duke opened with a record of 3-6.
Despite the rocky beginning, Lawson’s leadership has been pivotal in turning the season around. Following what she described as a ‘rock bottom’ moment, her team went on to win 17 straight games, showcasing resilience and determination. This impressive turnaround has earned Duke a No. 3 seed in the Sacramento 2 Region for the NCAA tournament.
Lawson, who became the youngest coach of the U.S. women’s national team since Anne Donovan in 2006, has also made her mark on the international stage. She has won 13 gold medals as both a coach and a player, further solidifying her reputation in the sport. Her recent role as head coach of the 2025 USA Women’s AmeriCup Team, which went undefeated at 7-0, highlights her coaching prowess.
In reflecting on her team’s journey, Lawson stated, “For our team to be able to navigate the ups and downs of the journey this year, to be able to come through that and hit a good stretch, to be able to sweep the regular season and tournament titles, I’m just so proud of what we’ve been able to do.” Her approach emphasizes boldness and strategic thinking, as she remarked, “Your hedge has got to be big, and it’s gotta be bold.”
Players and colleagues have praised Lawson’s impact on the team. Caitlin Clark noted, “Her passion, her energy, her competitive spirit, that impacts all of us,” while Brad Stevens highlighted her exceptional communication skills, calling her “amazing. Smart. Prepared.”
As Duke prepares for the upcoming NCAA tournament, the focus will be on maintaining their momentum and leveraging the experience gained throughout the season. Observers expect Lawson to continue to inspire her team as they aim for further success on the national stage.
