Kara Lawson, current head coach of the Duke University women’s basketball team, has been named head coach of the USA Basketball Women’s National Team through 2028. Lawson was selected by Sue Bird, USA Basketball’s Women’s National Team managing director, and was approved by the USA Basketball Board of Directors.

In a statement, Lawson expressed her gratitude for Team USA’s new coach.

“I am honored to be selected as the head coach of the Women’s National Team for this cycle,” Lawson said. “I want to thank Sue Bird, General Dempsey, and the USA Basketball Board of Directors, Jim Tooley, and Briana Gould for this tremendous opportunity.”

“I will work tirelessly to uphold the standards of this storied program. There is no greater honor in our sport than to be chosen to lead the U.S. women in world competition. I understand the responsibility and the challenges that lie ahead,” she added. “I look forward to meeting them head on.”

“This has been something I’ve worked towards for a long time. I’m thankful to all of the players that I’ve had the opportunity to coach and all of the coaches I’ve learned from,” Lawson continued. “There is nothing more important than pushing this group to reach its potential. I can’t wait to get started!”

As a former teammate, Bird spoke about Lawson’s mental toughness, and her basketball IQ makes her the perfect candidate to lead Team USA.

“I am so excited to welcome Kara Lawson as the next head coach of the USA Basketball Women’s National Team,” Bird said. “Having shared the court with her, I know firsthand the leadership, competitive spirit, and basketball IQ that she brings. I can’t wait to work with her and continue to build on the tradition of excellence that USA Basketball stands for.”

As a player, Lawson was a four-time All-SEC selection and two-time All-American at the University of Tennessee, playing for the late Pat Summitt.

After being drafted No. 5 overall by the Detroit Shock in the 2003 WNBA Draft, Lawson spent 13 seasons with the Shock, Sacramento Monarchs, Connecticut Sun, and Washington Mystics before retiring in 2015.

In five seasons at Duke, Lawson has compiled a 97-41 (.703) overall record, leading the Blue Devils to three consecutive 20-win seasons, including winning the 2025 ACC tournament. She’s also taken Duke to three straight NCAA Tournaments, including an NCAA Elite Eight run in 2025.