Kara Lawson is making waves in the world of college basketball as the head coach of Duke University’s women’s basketball team. Since taking the reins in July 2020, she has transformed the program, guiding her team to impressive heights and earning a reputation as a skilled leader.
How Much Does She Make?
While Kara Lawson’s exact salary remains undisclosed, it is known that she isn’t among the top 20 highest-paid women’s basketball coaches across the nation. The earnings for the 20th highest coach are around $950,000 per year. Despite the mystery surrounding her paycheck, Lawson’s impact on the court speaks volumes about her worth as a coach. She has generated significant interest in the program, steadily attracting top recruiting classes that rank among the best in the country.
Kara Lawson’s Impact at Duke
Kara has made history as Duke’s first Black head coach, paving the way for representation within the sporting community. The numbers illustrate her success: Lawson holds a remarkable record of 68 wins against just 33 losses since her arrival. Her coaching style emphasizes nurturing player relationships, ensuring her athletes not only develop their skills but also thrive personally, which often leads to outstanding performance.
In the most recent ACC Tournament semifinals, her coaching prowess was on full display as Duke pulled off a thrilling 61-56 upset against the No. 2 seed Notre Dame. The victory showcased Lawson’s strategic acumen and the gritty determination of her players.
A Look at Duke’s Recent Matches
The game against Notre Dame was an exhilarating matchup, marked by strong teamwork and resilience. Oluchi Okananwa starred for Duke, scoring 14 points, while the team’s defense and rebounding played a significant role in their success. Duke excelled, out-rebounding Notre Dame 38 to 26, and forcing crucial turnovers that highlighted their defensive strength.
- Duke’s bench contributed 28 points compared to Notre Dame’s 14.
- Key plays from Ashlon Jackson and Taina Mair helped extend Duke’s lead.
- Lawson praised her players for their grit in the fourth quarter, emphasizing their ability to clutch tight games.
Duke’s Road Ahead
Following their dramatic win, Duke’s women’s basketball team will now face off against No. 1 seed N.C. State in the ACC championship game. This marks an exciting milestone for Lawson and her team, as it’s their first trip to the finals since 2017. The match promises to be an exhilarating contest, with fans eager to see how Lawson’s guidance plays out against one of the strongest teams in the conference.
Kara Lawson’s Journey
Before starring at Duke, Lawson was making her mark in the NBA, coaching as an assistant for the Boston Celtics. Her experience at that level has given her a unique perspective on coaching college athletes, blending the rigor of professional basketball with the development focus needed in the collegiate ranks. During her time with the Celtics, she was not just a coach but also a mentor, earning respect from players like Marcus Smart, who lauded her advice and friendship.
As Lawson continues to lead the Duke women’s basketball team, her story exemplifies determination and excellence. From helping achieve a NCAA Final Four appearance to aiming for national prominence, her journey mirrors the kind of perseverance important in sports and life. With her eyes set on elevating the Duke program, there’s no telling how far she and her talented team will go.
