Image Credit - Jake Crandall / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Kara Lawson Takes Over USA Women’s Basketball Head Coach Role Aiming To Extend Historic Olympic Gold Medal Streak

Lawson succeeds Cheryl Reeve as head coach

Image Credit - Jake Crandall / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

USA Basketball announced on Monday that Duke coach Kara Lawson has been named the new head coach of the women’s national team. The 44-year-old takes over from Cheryl Reeve, who guided the Americans to their ninth straight Olympic gold medal at the 2024 Paris Games.

In the official announcement, Kara Lawson expressed her gratitude and outlined her commitment to the program.

“I will work tirelessly to uphold the standards of this storied program,” Lawson said. “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.”

Kara Lawson already brings international coaching experience to her new position. She previously led the United States in 3×3 basketball at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, where the team won gold against China.

She also guided the 3×3 team to gold at the 2019 PanAm Games and the FIBA Women’s World Cup. In addition, she served as an assistant coach on Reeve’s staff for both the 2022 World Cup and the 2024 Olympics.

Her connection to Team USA also includes her playing career. Kara Lawson was part of the American squad that captured gold at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. In the championship game against Australia, she scored 15 points while shooting a perfect 5-for-5 from the field and 4-for-4 at the free throw line.

Duke Coaching Success Adds to Kara Lawson Profile

Since taking over at Duke, Kara Lawson helped restore the program’s winning tradition. The former Tennessee Volunteers star has compiled a 97-41 record with the Blue Devils, lifting the team to stronger finishes each year.

Most recently, she guided Duke to an ACC Championship victory and an Elite Eight appearance, where the Blue Devils fell to No. 1 seed South Carolina. Her achievements at the college level have further cemented her reputation as a leader capable of managing both talent and expectations.

Kara Lawson also continues a connection between Duke coaches and international basketball. Former men’s coach Mike Krzyzewski guided the USA to Olympic gold in 2008, 2012 and 2016, creating a lasting legacy that Kara Lawson now follows on the women’s side.