Kara Lawson: The Trailblazing Coach with a Shot at Olympic Gold
In the world of basketball, few names shine as brightly as Kara Lawson, the renowned coach of the Duke women’s team. With a legacy of breaking barriers and achieving greatness, Lawson is now on the cusp of leading the USA to another gold medal. Having already guided the Americans to a 3-on-3 Olympic gold medal, she’s set to coach the U.S. AmeriCup team in Chile, a pivotal step towards potentially leading the USA’s 5-on-5 squad at the 2028 Los Angeles Games.
Lawson’s journey to the top is a tale of passion, dedication, and a lifelong love for the game. "I wanted to be a coach since I was seven," she recalls, crediting her time under the legendary Pat Summitt at the University of Tennessee as a defining factor in her success. With the WNBA still in its infancy and college basketball not yet on her radar, Lawson initially envisioned her coaching career beginning at the high school level. Fast forward 37 years, and she’s now at the helm of a talented group of college players heading to South America for the AmeriCup.
The AmeriCup team boasts an impressive roster, featuring some of the most talented players in women’s college basketball, including Flau’Jae Johnson, Olivia Miles, Hannah Hidalgo, Madison Booker, Joyce Edwards, and Raegan Beers. Lawson made a lasting impression at the tryouts in Colorado Springs, with Johnson praising her intensity and coaching prowess. "The intensity she brings every day, you feel it, that’s a pro right there," Johnson said. "Just learning from her, I learned so much in these two days. It’s been amazing."
As a college basketball player, the AmeriCup is the ultimate summer destination, and Lawson’s team is eager to take on the challenge. "We have Olympians that come and put the same jersey on and wear USA across their chest, and people that have paved the way," said Notre Dame guard Hannah Hidalgo. "It’s the biggest stage, and so just to be a part of it is an honor."
Lawson’s potential to become the second African American to lead the USA women’s Olympic basketball team is a significant milestone, following in the footsteps of Dawn Staley, who coached the team to gold at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. With her proven track record, including a gold medal at the Tokyo Games, Lawson is well-positioned to take on the role. However, she’s not looking at the AmeriCup as a tryout for the 2028 Olympics or the World Cup, instead focusing on the task at hand. The decision on her future roles will be made by Sue Bird, the new national team managing director.
As Lawson prepares to lead her team in Chile, one thing is clear: she’s a trailblazer with a passion for the game and a knack for success. With her eyes fixed on the prize, Lawson is ready to take on the challenge and make her mark on the world of basketball. Will she lead the USA to another gold medal? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain – Kara Lawson is a name to watch in the world of basketball.
