Kara Lawson Named Head Coach of 2025 USA Women’s AmeriCup Team

Duke women’s basketball head coach Kara Lawson continues to make a mark on the international stage, as she has been officially named head coach of the U.S. national team for the 2025 FIBA Women’s AmeriCup. The appointment, announced by USA Basketball, is another prestigious milestone in Lawson’s already decorated basketball career—both on and off the court.

Lawson expressed her excitement and appreciation for the opportunity. “I’m incredibly honored to be named the 2025 Women’s AmeriCup Head Coach by USA Basketball,” she said. “It’s a privilege to work with the top talent our country has to offer, both in players and fellow coaches. I’m always eager to serve USA Basketball in any capacity, and this assignment is especially meaningful.”

Lawson’s involvement with USA Basketball spans over two decades. As a player, she helped lead the U.S. to gold medals at the 2001 World University Games and the 2008 Beijing Olympics. She later transitioned into coaching and played a key role in leading the U.S. women’s 3×3 team to Olympic gold at the Tokyo Games in 2021.

Her latest appointment affirms her growing reputation as one of the top coaching minds in the game today. Under her leadership, Duke has become a force in women’s college basketball, known for its defensive intensity, discipline, and a team-first approach. Coaching the national team at the AmeriCup will allow Lawson to continue developing her skills at the highest level while bringing valuable experience back to the Blue Devils.

The AmeriCup, a key international competition for women’s basketball in the Americas, is scheduled for 2025, and will serve as a critical step in preparing for future FIBA World Cup and Olympic competitions. Lawson’s leadership is expected to be instrumental as Team USA fields a mix of emerging and elite talent to compete for another gold medal.

This new role not only recognizes Lawson’s growing legacy in international basketball, but it also underscores the strong connection between the Duke women’s basketball program and the highest levels of the sport. It’s a win for Lawson, a win for Duke, and a win for USA Basketball.

Duke Basketball Eyes Matchup with SEC Opponent in Charlotte

The Duke basketball program is reportedly finalizing plans to open its 2025-26 season with a high-profile showdown against an SEC opponent in Charlotte.

According to national insider Jon Rothstein, Duke and Texas are working on an agreement to face off on November 4 at the Spectrum Center, marking the season opener for both teams.

This game would kick off a challenging non-conference schedule for Jon Scheyer’s fourth Duke squad. The Blue Devils are already set to meet Kansas in the Champions Classic at Madison Square Garden on November 18, take on Arkansas in the CBS Sports Thanksgiving Classic at Chicago’s United Center on November 27, and play Michigan State on the road in December.

Additionally, Duke will face Army away on November 11 and is expected to compete against another ranked opponent in the ACC/SEC Challenge. The non-conference slate will wrap up with a marquee matchup versus Michigan in Washington, D.C., in February