USA Basketball has appointed Kara Lawson, head coach at Duke University, as the head coach of the women’s national team leading up to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. This decision, revealed by the organization on Monday, marks a significant moment in Lawson’s illustrious career.
Kara Lawson’s Statement of Gratitude
Expressing her excitement about the new role, Lawson stated, “I am honored to be selected as the head coach of the Women’s National Team for this cycle.” She expressed her gratitude towards notable figures such as Sue Bird, General Dempsey, and the USA Basketball Board of Directors for this opportunity. Lawson’s commitment to the role is evident, as she pledged to uphold the high standards of this prestigious program.
A Strong Track Record
Lawson brings with her a wealth of experience, having played 12 seasons in the WNBA before transitioning to coaching. Her journey as an assistant coach for the Boston Celtics laid a solid foundation for her current role at Duke, which she took on in 2020. Although her first season was curtailed by the COVID-19 pandemic and the team’s performance was challenging initially, they have shown continuous improvement. The Blue Devils advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament in 2023, reached the Sweet 16 in 2024 after a tough matchup with UConn, and made it to the Elite Eight in 2025.
Rising to the Challenge
Lawson’s determination to lead the U.S. women’s team shines through in her statement: “There is no greater honor in our sport than to be chosen to lead the U.S. women in world competition. I understand the responsibility and the challenges that lie ahead. I look forward to meeting them head on.” This approach signifies her readiness to face the demands of international competition.
Support from USA Basketball Leadership
Sue Bird, who serves as the managing director for the Women’s National Team, conveyed her enthusiasm for Lawson’s appointment. Bird praised Lawson’s leadership abilities, competitive nature, and exceptional basketball intelligence, all of which she has demonstrated throughout her career with USA Basketball. Bird’s firsthand experience of being on the court with Lawson adds credibility to her support, emphasizing the respect Lawson has garnered from peers and players alike.
Olympic Experience
Kara Lawson steps into this pivotal role with impressive credentials in Olympic competition. She achieved a gold medal as a player during the 2008 Beijing Olympics and recently served as an assistant coach to Cheryl Reeve in Paris. Additionally, she played a significant role in guiding the women’s 3×3 team to gold at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, further solidifying her expertise in high-pressure environments.
Russell Steinberg covers Major League Baseball and the New York Liberty for ClutchPoints. A lifelong enthusiast of baseball and basketball, he has contributed to well-known platforms such as Boardroom, SLAM, and SB Nation. Steinberg is an NYU graduate who regularly returns to the university to serve as the PA announcer and occasional broadcaster for its basketball and volleyball teams.
Image Source: Kara Lawson @ Instagram
