Duke Players Took a Risk on Kara Lawson’s Rebuild: Their Reward? A Return to the Elite Eight
When Kara Lawson took over as head coach of Duke University’s women’s basketball program in 2020, she inherited a team with immense potential but also in need of transformation. After years of sustained success under legendary coach Joanne P. McCallie, the Blue Devils were facing a rebuilding period. Lawson, a former WNBA star and Olympic gold medalist, was tasked with returning Duke to national prominence, but the journey would not be easy.
However, Lawson’s vision for the program was clear. She emphasized a fast-paced, high-intensity style of play that would make Duke a contender once again. This approach required buy-in from her players, many of whom were accustomed to a more traditional style of basketball under McCallie. The transition was not without challenges, but Lawson’s leadership and her ability to connect with the players won them over.
The rebuild under Lawson wasn’t instant. The Blue Devils faced some tough losses in the early years, but Lawson’s emphasis on building a cohesive, disciplined unit began to pay off in her second season. The key was creating a culture of resilience, where players were asked to take risks—both on the court and in how they approached their development. The athletes had to trust Lawson’s process and the changes she was implementing.
A critical part of Lawson’s success was her ability to develop individual players and foster a collective team mentality. Players like Shayeann Day-Wilson, a talented guard, and Celeste Taylor, an experienced wing, flourished under her guidance. Taylor, who had transferred from Texas, quickly became a standout for the Blue Devils, contributing as both a scorer and defender. Day-Wilson’s playmaking ability evolved, and she became the centerpiece of Duke’s offensive strategy.
As the 2024 NCAA Tournament unfolded, Duke found themselves on the brink of a breakthrough. Their performance throughout the regular season had positioned them as a formidable force in the ACC, and they entered the tournament as one of the top contenders. But it was in the tournament where Lawson’s vision truly came to life. The Blue Devils dominated their early-round matchups with a combination of defensive intensity, sharp shooting, and unselfish ball movement. Each game was a testament to the hard work the players had put in under Lawson’s leadership.
In the Sweet Sixteen, Duke faced a tough test against a seasoned team. Yet, the Blue Devils displayed the resilience that had been fostered during the rebuild. With Taylor and Day-Wilson leading the charge, Duke fought its way to a hard-earned victory, securing a spot in the Elite Eight for the first time since 2018. For Lawson, this achievement was a moment of validation, showing that her rebuilding efforts had not only revived Duke’s program but had also set the stage for future success.
The return to the Elite Eight was a significant milestone in Duke’s resurgence under Lawson. It demonstrated that the risk taken by the players—committing to Lawson’s vision during a rebuilding phase—had paid off. They had become a cohesive, dangerous team capable of competing with the best in the country. Lawson’s leadership had instilled confidence in her players, and their collective effort had made Duke a force to be reckoned with again in women’s college basketball.
For Lawson, the journey is far from over. But the return to the Elite Eight was a clear indication that her program is back on track and poised for even greater achievements in the future. The reward for the players who took a risk on her rebuild was more than just a tournament run—it was the revival of a proud program, and the promise of even bigger things to come.
