USA Basketball has officially appointed Kara Lawson, the current head coach of Duke University women’s basketball, as the new head coach of the U.S. Women’s National Team. Lawson will lead the program through the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, marking a new era for the most successful women’s basketball team in history.
A New Chapter for Team USA
Lawson takes over one of the most prestigious coaching positions in global basketball. The U.S. Women’s National Team has dominated the Olympic stage for decades, winning seven consecutive gold medals since 1996. With Lawson at the helm, expectations remain sky-high as the program looks to extend its legacy of excellence.
The appointment signals USA Basketball’s confidence in Lawson’s leadership, strategic skills, and player development expertise. As a former WNBA player, Olympic gold medalist, and accomplished college coach, Lawson brings a wealth of experience and credibility to the role.
From Player to National Leader
Kara Lawson’s journey has been inspiring. She played for the Sacramento Monarchs in the WNBA, winning a championship in 2005, and was part of the 2008 Olympic gold medal-winning U.S. team in Beijing. After retiring as a player, she transitioned into broadcasting before moving into coaching.
Since taking over as Duke women’s basketball head coach in 2020, Lawson has revitalized the program, leading them back to national prominence. Her ability to mentor athletes both on and off the court has been widely praised, making her a natural choice for this prestigious position.
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Building Toward Paris 2024 and Los Angeles 2028
Although the U.S. women’s team is already preparing for the Paris 2024 Olympics, Lawson’s long-term leadership through the 2028 Los Angeles Games provides continuity and stability. Having a coach in place for two Olympic cycles ensures consistent preparation, team culture, and strategic vision.
Her focus will be on blending veteran stars with emerging talent to maintain the team’s dominance on the international stage. With the global game growing more competitive, Lawson’s leadership will be vital to navigating challenges from rivals like Australia, Spain, and China.
What It Means for Women’s Basketball
Lawson’s appointment is a milestone moment for women in coaching. In an era where representation and leadership opportunities matter more than ever, her elevation underscores the progress of women leading women’s sports at the highest level.
Fans and players alike are celebrating the announcement, seeing it as both a recognition of Lawson’s outstanding career and a bold step forward for USA Basketball.