From Blue Devil to Red, White & Blue: Duke’s Kara Lawson to Lead Team USA at 2025 Women’s AmeriCup
In a move that underscores her growing legacy in the basketball world, Duke women’s basketball head coach Kara Lawson has officially been named the head coach for Team USA at the 2025 Women’s AmeriCup, a prestigious continental tournament that brings together the best national teams from across the Americas.
The announcement marks another monumental step in Lawson’s already decorated career, both as a player and a coach. As the head of one of the top women’s basketball programs in the country, Lawson has led the Duke Blue Devils to deep NCAA Tournament runs and is widely respected for her tactical mind, leadership, and ability to connect with players on and off the court.
“I’m incredibly honored to be named the 2025 Women’s AmeriCup Head Coach by USA Basketball,” Lawson said. “The opportunity to work with some of the top players in the country, and the opportunity to coach alongside some of the top coaches in the country is something I’m very excited about. I always look forward to serving USA Basketball in any capacity that I am asked.”
Lawson’s relationship with USA Basketball is long and successful. As a player, she helped secure gold medals at the 2001 World University Games and the 2008 Olympics in Beijing. Her coaching journey with Team USA began in earnest when she guided the U.S. women’s 3×3 basketball team to Olympic gold at the Tokyo 2020 Games. Her poise, competitive edge, and basketball IQ made her a natural fit for continuing leadership roles within the USA Basketball ecosystem.
For the Duke Blue Devils, Lawson’s appointment is more than just an individual accolade—it’s a program-enhancing moment. Her selection to coach Team USA is a testament to the national recognition of her coaching excellence, and it further boosts Duke’s profile on the recruiting trail and in collegiate basketball circles.
Lawson will now take on the challenge of coaching some of the country’s top talent as they compete in the AmeriCup, a key stepping stone for qualifying for global tournaments like the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup and the Olympics.
Her coaching experience, both at the collegiate and international level, places Team USA in strong hands. She’ll bring a dynamic combination of intensity, preparation, and player development to the national team, all while maintaining her responsibilities at Duke—something that speaks volumes about her work ethic and commitment.
As the basketball world turns its attention to the 2025 AmeriCup, all eyes will be on Coach Kara Lawson, who is set to represent not just Duke, but the entire nation, on the international stage. Her journey from elite player to elite coach continues to inspire, and her next chapter promises to be just as impactful as the last.
USA Basketball just got even stronger.
