Kara Lawson, head coach of Duke Women’s Basketball since 2020, is a trailblazer in the sport with a remarkable career as a player, coach, and leader. A standout at the University of Tennessee under Pat Summitt, she was a four-time All-SEC selection and helped lead the Lady Vols to three Final Four appearances. She went on to play 13 seasons in the WNBA, winning a championship with the Sacramento Monarchs in 2005, earning an All-Star nod in 2007, and capturing Olympic gold with Team USA in 2008. Off the court, Lawson broke barriers as the first female assistant coach in Boston Celtics history and gained national recognition as a respected ESPN analyst. At Duke, she has revitalized the program, leading the team to its first ACC Tournament title since 2013 and earning a spot as an assistant coach for Team USA at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Her impact continues to shape the future of women’s basketball.
