Kara Lawson, former WNBA champion and three-time Olympic gold medalist, is in her sixth season as head coach of Duke women’s basketball. Since taking over in 2020, she has restored the Blue Devils to national prominence, compiling a 97–41 record, three straight 20-win seasons, and an Elite Eight run in 2025 that included an ACC Tournament title and a No. 7 national ranking.

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A trailblazer on and off the court, Lawson became the first female coach in Boston Celtics history in 2020 and remains the only active NCAA Division I women’s coach to play in a Final Four, win a WNBA title, and earn Olympic gold. She has also won 13 gold medals with USA Basketball as both a player and coach, highlighted by guiding the U.S. 3x3 women’s team to Olympic gold in 2021 and helping Team USA capture gold at the 2024 Paris Games.

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Before arriving at Duke, Lawson played 13 seasons in the WNBA, winning a championship with Sacramento in 2005 and earning All-Star honors in 2007. A standout under Pat Summitt at Tennessee, she was a two-time All-America and four-time All-SEC selection while leading the Lady Vols to three Final Fours.