United States women’s basketball is about to enter a new era ahead of the 2028 Olympics.
On Monday, USWBT announced the person that will lead our nation’s ladies into global competition over the next handful of years after winning every gold medal dating back to 1996.
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That woman would be Duke head coach and University of Tennessee legend Kara Lawson, who served as an assistant on the Paris 2024 team, and was named the 13th coach of USA women’s hoops to start the week.
Mar 28, 2025; Birmingham, AL, USA; Duke Blue Devils head coach Kara Lawson signals to her team during the Sweet 16 NCAA Tournament basketball game against the North Carolina Tar Heelsat Legacy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images© Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images
Kara Lawson releases statement on hire
Lawson was an Olympic gold medalist as a player where she was a top-five pick, a WNBA All-Star and a champion with the Sacramento Monarchs. Now she’ll take that experience, along with her success as a coach, to maintain the standard of excellence that is USA Women’s Basketball.
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“I am honored to be selected as the head coach of the Women’s National Team for this cycle,” Lawson said in a release. “I will work tirelessly to uphold the standards of this storied program. 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 has been something I’ve worked towards for a long time,” she explained. “I’m thankful to all of the players that I’ve had the opportunity to coach and all of the coaches I’ve learned from. There is nothing more important than pushing this group to reach its potential. I can’t wait to get started!”
Sue Bird ‘excited’ to have Lawson lead the way
Basketball legend Sue Bird, who was named USWNBT’s managing director earlier this year, was instrumental in Lawson’s hire and says she’s looking forward to what the Duke coach can do for the red, white and blue.
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“I am so excited to welcome Kara Lawson as the next head coach of the USA Basketball Women’s National Team,” Bird exclaimed. “Having shared the court with her, I know firsthand the leadership, competitive spirit and basketball IQ that she brings.”
“Kara has always had the respect of her teammates and her players, something she has earned and demonstrated over decades with USA Basketball as a player, 3×3 coach and assistant coach. I can’t wait to work with her and continue to build on the tradition of excellence that USA Basketball stands for.”
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Lawson is one of the most respected coaches in the business and has led Duke to a 97-41 record over the last five seasons with three-straight 20-win campaigns, an ACC title and an appearance in the Elite Eight.
Former Blue Devils coach Mike Krzyzewski also coached Team USA on the men’s side from 2005-2013.
This story was originally reported by The Spun on Sep 22, 2025, where it first appeared in the Olympics section. Add The Spun as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
