Kara Lawson, who coaches the Duke women’s basketball team, was just announced as the head coach of the 2025 USA Women’s AmeriCup Team.
Given this news, how will this new role affect her duties with the Blue Devils? Dawson’s prolonged participation with Team USA seems to have Duke’s full approval, indicating that a strategy is in place to balance both obligations.
Kara Lawson’s Expanding Role with USA Basketball
Kara Lawson’s coaching record with USA Basketball is already impressive. She assisted the team that won a gold medal at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. Before that, she led the first-ever U.S. Olympic 3×3 Women’s Basketball Team, which won a gold medal in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
She has an incredible 75-5 career record with USA Basketball, including nine gold medals in different competitions. Because of her background and accomplishments, she is a perfect fit for her new position.
Another summer, another opportunity to compete for gold.
Congratulations, Coach! pic.twitter.com/DYfTXWrh38
— Duke Women’s Basketball (@DukeWBB) May 6, 2025
Duke has openly supported her nomination. They expect her to manage her duties as head coach of the Blue Devils and her national team obligations. This implies a cooperative strategy that might entail assistant coaches assuming greater responsibility at certain times.
The Duke women’s basketball team has greatly benefited under Lawson. She has led the Blue Devils to significant success since taking over as head coach in July 2020 with a 97-41 record under her direction, including an ACC Tournament title in 2025.
The team has also qualified for the NCAA Tournament thrice in the last three seasons, including the Elite Eight in 2025.
As evidenced by her widely shared “Handle Hard Better” speech, Lawson’s coaching approach emphasizes diligence, concentration, and self-control. She is renowned for her ability to establish a solid team culture and connect with players.
Because of her achievements at Duke, she was named one of the 100 most significant figures in women’s college basketball. Given her track record of achievement and the university’s encouraging message, Lawson will probably keep putting her Duke duty first while juggling her Team USA obligations.
RELATED: Kara Lawson’s Salary, Contract, and Net Worth
Although it’s unclear exactly how Lawson will handle both responsibilities, several reasons point to a feasible answer. The AmeriCup is held during the college basketball offseason, between late June and early July.
This scheduling reduces direct conflicts with Duke’s basketball schedule. Additionally, when Lawson is with Team USA, Duke’s capable coaching staff can support him and keep the program going.
Lawson’s successful playing, broadcasting, and coaching careers all attest to her ability to lead and manage various tasks, making her a strong candidate for this dual post.
Her love for Duke and USA Basketball and their support suggest that the Blue Devils will continue to succeed during their “Kara Era” despite her increased responsibilities with the national team.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!
