New Head Coach for U.S. Women’s National Basketball Team

Kara Lawson was navigating through the bustling Atlanta airport when she received an unexpected call from Sue Bird, a former teammate she affectionately refers to as “birdie.”

Most people know Bird as a five-time Olympic gold medalist and four-time WNBA champion, someone who’s considered a remarkable leader in the sport. This year, she clinched a spot in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

However, Bird has recently taken on a new role as the Managing Director of the U.S. Women’s National Team. This position puts her in charge of selecting a head coach for the team as they prepare for upcoming competitions, including the 2026 FIBA World Cup and the 2028 Summer Olympics.

It was this very topic that Bird wanted to discuss with Lawson during their call.

Upon answering, Lawson had a hunch about the nature of the conversation. “I figured they’d announce the coaching decisions soon. Did I think it would be me? No. Did I suspect I was a candidate? Yes,” Lawson shared. “Receiving that call in an airport wasn’t exactly ideal, though.”

Tuesday’s event at Cameron Indoor Stadium was more fitting. Bird presented Lawson with a Team USA jersey sporting the number 28, officially naming her the next head coach of the national women’s basketball team.

A video narrated by Mike Krzyzewski introduced Lawson to the audience, which included a mix of VIPs, former high school teammates, and family members, creating a warm atmosphere for the occasion.

As Lawson stepped up to speak, she took a moment—about 30 seconds—to collect herself, brushing her hair aside and wiping away tears. She retrieved a note from her blazer pocket before addressing the crowd.

“This is only the beginning—we might need a timeout already,” Lawson joked, eliciting a laugh from the audience. She mentioned past coaches and acknowledged the legacy she is stepping into.

“It’s a huge honor,” she said, smiling. “For me, leading the national team is the pinnacle. It feels incredible to have the Federation’s trust in me.”

As Lawson takes the lead, she inherits a team that has a remarkable track record, winning eight consecutive Olympic gold medals and four straight World Cups. Bird, who was the first to occupy the managing director role, is confident in Lawson’s ability to guide the roster through this transitional phase.

“When I considered who would make a great head coach, I was looking for someone who understood what it means to wear USA colors,” Bird noted. “Kara’s international experience sets her apart.”

After making a name for herself with seven Olympic medals as a player and coach—including a gold in 2008—Lawson’s journey with Team USA is far from new. She first donned the national jersey at a youth world championship in 1998.

Recalling their time together, Bird mentioned a game in 2008 where Lawson led the U.S. with 15 points against Australia, noting her preparedness and competitive spirit.

After her WNBA career, Lawson transitioned to broadcasting but had always wanted to coach. She initially worked with Team USA’s 3×3 teams, ultimately helping them secure a gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics.

Lawson later spent a season as an assistant coach with the Boston Celtics before taking the head coaching role at Duke in 2020. Under her leadership, the Blue Devils have seen significant success, including recent appearances in the NCAA Tournament’s Elite 8.

Expressing gratitude, Lawson credited her players at Duke for their support, saying, “You can’t achieve this without great players. They helped build my qualifications for this role.”

Bird appointed Lawson as the coach after carefully evaluating candidates who could bridge the gap between collegiate and professional players. With a successful record at the Americup this past summer, Lawson made her mark, leading the collegiate team to a championship title.

As they wrapped up the event, Lawson was emotional, remembering her late father and honoring a coaching legend. “It’s surreal to think my name might be mentioned alongside theirs,” she reflected on her legacy and those of her predecessors.

As she takes on her new role, Lawson embodies not just the spirit of the Summit Coaching Tree but follows in the footsteps of icons in the sport. Accepting the jersey, she stood proudly, solidifying her place in history as the new head coach of the U.S. women’s national basketball team.