Kara Lawson assumed the head coaching role for the women’s basketball program at Duke University on July 11 , 2020, becoming the sixth head coach in the school’s history. Over her tenure beginning in the 2020-21 season, she has transformed the Blue Devils into one of the nation’s elite programs, guiding them to multiple 20-win seasons, NCAA Tournament appearances, and most recently leading the squad through a standout 2024-25 campaign in which Duke posted a 29-8 record, captured the program’s ninth ACC Tournament title and advanced to its 12th Elite Eight. Her teams are known for efficient offense, strong defense and disciplined execution.
Before entering the collegiate coaching ranks, Lawson had an exceptional playing career: she starred at the University of Tennessee under Coach Pat Summitt, earned All-America honors, reached multiple Final Fours, and was selected 5th overall in the 2003 WNBA Draft. In the WNBA she spent 13 seasons, won a championship in 2005 and was an All-Star in 2007. Internationally, she earned a gold medal at the 2008 Olympic Games and later contributed as a coach with USA Basketball. After her playing days she worked as a television analyst before transitioning to coaching, including becoming the first female assistant coach in the history of the Boston Celtics franchise. Her diverse background as player, broadcaster and coach gives her a unique perspective that she now brings to Duke’s women’s program.
