Kara Lawson: From Celtics Assistant to Rising Star in College Basketball
Kara Lawson’s journey from the NBA’s coaching ranks to becoming a rising star in college basketball has been nothing short of remarkable. Her career trajectory is a testament to her talent, determination, and deep knowledge of the game. Her move from the Boston Celtics to her current role as Duke University’s women’s basketball head coach marks a significant shift in both her professional journey and the landscape of women’s sports coaching.
Lawson’s career in basketball began long before she ever stepped into the coach’s office. A standout player, Lawson was a two-time All-American at the University of Tennessee, playing under legendary coach Pat Summitt. She went on to enjoy a successful career in the WNBA with the Sacramento Monarchs, where she established herself as one of the league’s top players. Lawson’s basketball IQ, leadership qualities, and ability to perform under pressure made her an invaluable asset on the court.
After retiring as a player, Lawson’s love for the game and her desire to continue making an impact led her to a career in coaching. She initially dipped her toes into broadcasting before making a major leap into the NBA, joining the Boston Celtics as an assistant coach in 2019. Her hiring was groundbreaking—Lawson became one of the very few women to hold an assistant coaching role in the NBA, a male-dominated league. During her time with the Celtics, Lawson was widely praised for her sharp basketball mind and her ability to communicate with players. She built strong relationships with both the coaching staff and the team, quickly becoming an integral part of their strategic approach.
However, Lawson’s journey took another pivotal turn when she made the decision to leave the NBA and pursue a head coaching role at the collegiate level. In 2020, she was hired as the head coach of the Duke University women’s basketball team, making history as the first woman to hold this position in the program’s history. The move was seen as a bold one—Lawson was leaving behind a promising future with the Celtics for the challenge of leading a prestigious program in a competitive college basketball environment.
Her transition to the college game was met with great anticipation. Lawson’s deep understanding of both the men’s and women’s games allowed her to bring a fresh perspective to the college ranks. She was able to leverage her experience in the NBA, particularly in player development and game strategy, to elevate Duke’s program. Under her leadership, the Blue Devils quickly became a competitive force in the ACC, and Lawson’s ability to recruit top talent ensured that Duke would remain a program to watch for years to come.
Lawson’s success at Duke has been a testament to her adaptability and growth as a coach. She is rapidly becoming one of the most influential figures in college basketball. Her career is not just a story of personal achievement but also an inspiring reminder of the progress women continue to make in coaching and sports leadership. As her impact continues to expand, Lawson is not just carving out a place for herself in college basketball; she is also helping pave the way for other women to follow in her footsteps. Her journey from NBA assistant to college coaching star is an inspiring example of how talent, ambition, and perseverance can open doors to new opportunities—no matter the challenges that lie ahead.
