Duke's Coaching Star Shines Bright: Kara Lawson Joins Team USA for Paris Olympics!

The basketball world is buzzing with excitement as Duke University's dynamic women's basketball head coach, Kara Lawson, has officially been named an assistant coach for the prestigious U.S. Women's National Team, set to compete for gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics! This momentous appointment marks a thrilling new chapter in Lawson's illustrious career, bringing her unparalleled expertise and championship pedigree to the global stage.

For Lawson, donning the red, white, and blue is a deeply familiar and cherished experience.

A true icon of American basketball, she previously captured an Olympic gold medal as a player with Team USA during the 2008 Beijing Games. Now, she steps into a coaching role for the first time at the Olympic level, poised to guide the next generation of American talent towards victory. Her journey from an Olympic athlete to an Olympic coach is a testament to her profound understanding of the game and her relentless pursuit of excellence.

Lawson joins an elite coaching roster that includes Joni Taylor of Texas A&M and Mike Thibault, the celebrated coach of the WNBA's Washington Mystics.

This formidable trio will serve under the esteemed leadership of head coach Cheryl Reeve from the Minnesota Lynx, forming a dream team dedicated to bringing home another gold medal for the United States. "I am incredibly honored and excited to join the USA Women's National Team staff for the 2024 Paris Olympics," Lawson shared, radiating enthusiasm.

"To represent your country is the highest honor in sports, and I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to this storied program alongside an exceptional group of coaches and athletes."

Her commitment to USA Basketball runs deep. Beyond her Olympic playing career, Lawson has actively contributed to the national program's development pipeline.

She served as an assistant coach for the USA Women's U16 National Team in 2017 and later took the helm as head coach for the USA Women's U17 National Team in 2018, meticulously shaping young talent and instilling a winning mentality from the grassroots up.

Since taking the reins at Duke, Lawson has rapidly transformed the Blue Devils into a formidable force in collegiate basketball.

In just four seasons, she has steered the program to three NCAA Tournament appearances, highlighted by an impressive Sweet 16 run in 2023. Her strategic brilliance and unwavering dedication have cultivated a culture of success, reflected in her strong 78-43 overall record with the team.

As Team USA sets its sights on an unprecedented eighth consecutive Olympic gold medal, Lawson's dual perspective as a former Olympic champion player and a highly successful collegiate coach will be an invaluable asset.

Her ability to connect with players, strategize at the highest level, and inspire peak performance makes her the perfect addition to a team determined to etch its name into history once again. The stage is set for an electrifying performance in Paris, with Coach Lawson ready to help lead the charge!