Kara Lawson is making headlines as the head coach of Duke University’s women’s basketball team. Since starting her role in July 2020, Lawson has led her team to a promising 68 wins and 33 losses, showcasing her skills and dedication. She has quickly become a prominent figure in college basketball, praised for her coaching abilities, and her work is shaping the future of the sport. But what makes her story even more interesting is that Lawson is the first Black head coach in Duke’s women’s basketball history, making her achievements even more significant.
How much does she make?
While many fans and followers might be curious about Kara Lawson’s salary, it remains a mystery as the details have not been made public. This has caused some chatter among sports enthusiasts who are curious about how major coaching roles are valued. Even without this information, Lawson’s impact on the team speaks volumes, and many believe she is more focused on building a successful program rather than just financial gains.
Kara Lawson’s impact at Duke
Under Lawson’s leadership, the Duke women’s basketball team has made remarkable strides. She has developed two consecutive top-10 recruiting classes, with the class of 2024 now ranked 7th nationally. This achievement highlights her ability to attract talented players to the program. Furthermore, Lawson led the Blue Devils to significant achievements, such as reaching the ACC Tournament championship game, marking their first appearance in the title match since 2017.
The Road to Success
Before taking the helm at Duke, Lawson had quite the impressive background in basketball. She was an assistant coach for the Boston Celtics for one season, where she made a name for herself at the professional level. Even her former players have shown their support; the entire Celtics team wore Duke T-shirts during a photo op to back her. Notably, Marcus Smart, a Celtics player, referred to Lawson as both a friend and mentor, which speaks volumes about her influence in the basketball community.
Memorable Moments
Duke’s recent playoff journey has been filled with nail-biting moments that showcase the team’s talent and resilience. In the ACC Tournament semifinals, Duke pulled off a thrilling win against the No. 2 seed, Notre Dame, with a score of 61-56. Oluchi Okananwa led the charge with 14 points, while the team showcased their strategy by dominating the boards, outrebounding Notre Dame 38 to 26. This competitive spirit exemplified Lawson’s coaching philosophy, especially in the intense fourth quarter. Lawson’s inspiration can be felt not just in the score, but in the way her team plays with heart and determination.
Praise from Peers
Lawson’s coaching style is focused on relationship-building. She puts emphasis on creating a culture where players feel supported and encouraged. This style is especially evident as her team has achieved three consecutive seasons with over 20 wins and earned a trip to the Sweet 16 in the 2023-24 NCAA Tournament. Her approach helps cultivate both skill and character among her players, which resonates beyond the court.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Position | Head Coach, Women’s Basketball |
| Win-Loss Record | 68 – 33 |
| First Season at Duke | 2020 |
| Top Recruiting Class (2024) | 7th nationally |
| First Black Head Coach | In Duke Women’s Basketball History |
Kara Lawson’s story is more than just one of success in basketball. She is paving the way for future generations of athletes and coaches, showing them that hard work, dedication, and a strong sense of community can lead to greatness. As she continues to grow in her role at Duke, her legacy as a trailblazer in college basketball is just beginning to unfold.
