Kara Lawson has officially taken the reigns as the new head coach of the U.S. women’s basketball team for the upcoming 2028 Los Angeles Olympic cycle. This momentous hire, orchestrated by her former rival and five-time Olympic gold medalist Sue Bird, marks an exciting new chapter for Lawson, who steps into a legacy steeped in excellence originally laid out by her legendary college coach, Pat Summitt.
Lawson, now 44 years old and currently the head coach at Duke, succeeds Cheryl Reeve, as the U.S. team aims to extend its remarkable streak of eight consecutive Olympic titles. The anticipation surrounding Lawson’s appointment is palpable, as she embodies a blend of skill, strategy, and passion that is essential in maintaining the program’s storied success.
In an official statement, Lawson emphasized her determination, stating, “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. I look forward to meeting them head on.” Her commitment to excellence is clear, and it resonates deeply with the history of the program.
Reflecting on the legacy of Summitt, who led the U.S. to its first Olympic women’s basketball title at the 1984 Los Angeles Games, Lawson’s emotional connection was evident during her press conference at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Demonstrating the profound impact Summitt had on her life and career, Lawson spoke tenderly about her coach, who passed away in 2016. Two chairs were prominently placed at the event, adorned with flowers—one for Summitt and the other for Lawson’s father, William, who died in 2017. “Three years is a long time to wait, but I will assure you, to walk into that Olympics in the same city that my coach did and to lead this team in pursuit of the gold medal is very special,” Lawson remarked, underscoring the significance of her new role in a familiar setting.
A gold medalist herself from the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Lawson possesses a multifaceted view of the game that few can rival. Beginning her coaching journey in 2017 with USA Basketball’s women’s 3×3 team, she quickly distinguished herself, ultimately leading the inaugural U.S. Olympic women’s 3×3 team to a gold medal at the Tokyo Games. Following this, she served as an assistant on Reeve’s staff for the upcoming 2024 Paris Games, gaining invaluable experience that culminated in her being named head coach at the 2025 FIBA AmeriCup, where the U.S. emerged victorious in July 2023.
Her journey has galvanized her aspirations and positioned her as an ideal candidate for this prestigious role. Becoming the second Black woman to hold the head coach position for the Olympic team, following Dawn Staley, and the third gold medalist to ascend to the role, Lawson’s appointment underscores a movement toward greater representation within coaching ranks.
Bird’s endorsement of Lawson carried significant weight. As Bird debuted her role as national team managing director in May, she expressed confidence in Lawson’s leadership qualities: “Having shared the court with her, I know firsthand the leadership, competitive spirit, and basketball IQ that she brings.” Their long-standing rivalry, dating back to their days as competitive guards—Bird for UConn and Lawson for Tennessee—now fuses into an alliance aimed at elevating U.S. women’s basketball to even greater heights.
Lawson and Bird’s relationship blossomed from fierce rivals in college basketball to collaborative leaders in international competition. Bird fondly recounted their childhood meeting at the Under-11 AAU Nationals, recalling that Lawson wore pigtails at the time. This nostalgic sense of connection highlights the camaraderie and mutual respect that defines their bond. Lawson’s quick ascent to her new position demonstrates both her capability and the faith Bird has in her vision for the team, conveyed in a candid conversation while traveling—“Pretty quickly it was just, hey, if you’d like this job, it’s yours kind of a vibe,” Bird said.
Lawson acknowledges the significant influence Summitt had on her, particularly regarding communication—an essential aspect when managing a team composed of WNBA stars with diverse backgrounds and roles. “I think she would probably tell me to enjoy the opportunity, to be myself and to make sure we were good on defense,” Lawson shared, revealing her intention to uphold the principles of a defensive mindset that Summitt championed.
The U.S. women’s basketball journey continues with the FIBA World Cup set to take place in Germany in September 2026. As the previous Olympic champions, the current team is aware of the immense pressure to maintain their winning streak; they recently made history by securing an eighth consecutive gold medal at the Paris Games. With 61 consecutive Olympic victories under their belt since the iconic loss at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, the task ahead is enormous yet exhilarating.
As this new chapter unfolds under Lawson’s leadership, the basketball community is eager to witness how her journey, marked by personal connections and professional triumphs, will shape the future of U.S. women’s basketball.