Kara Lawson is a distinguished basketball coach and former player, currently serving as the head coach of the Duke Blue Devils women’s basketball team. Her impressive career began as a player in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA), where she played for 13 seasons with teams such as the Sacramento Monarchs, Connecticut Sun, and Washington Mystics. Lawson’s playing accolades include winning a WNBA championship in 2005 and earning an All-Star selection in 2007, showcasing her talent and dedication on the court.

Transitioning from player to coach, Lawson made history in 2019 by becoming the first female assistant coach for the Boston Celtics in the franchise’s 73-year history. During her time with the Celtics, she contributed to the team’s impressive 43-21 record, demonstrating her coaching prowess and ability to develop players. In 2020, she was appointed head coach at Duke University, where she has continued to build a strong program and foster young talent.

In addition to her coaching career, Lawson has made significant contributions as a basketball analyst for ESPN and the Washington Wizards. She was the first woman to serve as a nationwide broadcast analyst for an NBA game in 2007, paving the way for future female broadcasters. Her expertise has also been recognized on the international stage, as she led the USA women’s national 3×3 team to a gold medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

Lawson’s legacy is further highlighted by her achievements as a player and coach, including 10 gold medals in various competitions. She is one of only three women in Olympic basketball history to win gold as both a player and a coach. With her extensive experience and commitment to the sport, Kara Lawson continues to inspire the next generation of athletes and coaches alike.