USA Basketball has officially named Kara Lawson, the current head coach of Duke University Women’s Basketball, as the head coach of the USA Women’s National Team for the upcoming 2025 FIBA Women’s AmeriCup.
The tournament, set to take place in August 2025, will serve as a key qualifying event for the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup, and potentially the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
👤 About Kara Lawson
A former WNBA champion and Olympic gold medalist (2008 Beijing), Lawson has built a strong reputation as both a player and coach. Since taking over at Duke in 2020, she has turned the Blue Devils into a perennial top-10 NCAA program, known for discipline, player development, and elite defense.
Lawson also served as an assistant coach with the Boston Celtics (2019–2020) and has extensive international experience with USA Basketball.
🗣️ Lawson’s Statement:
“It’s an incredible honor to lead Team USA at the AmeriCup. Representing your country is always special, and I’m excited to work with the next generation of elite players.”
🏆 USA Women’s Basketball Legacy
- Reigning AmeriCup Champions (2023)
- 10-time Gold Medalists at AmeriCup
- 9 Olympic Gold Medals, including seven consecutive titles from 1996 to 2024
- Known globally for depth, physicality, and consistency across all age levels
🧩 Squad & Structure
The final 12-player roster is expected to be announced in July 2025, following training camps in Colorado Springs. The squad will likely include a mix of:
- Emerging NCAA stars
- WNBA rising talents
- International veterans with previous Team USA experience
The tournament will also serve as a development opportunity ahead of the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup.
📆 2025 FIBA Women’s AmeriCup – Key Info:
- Dates: August 12–20, 2025
- Host Country: Argentina
- Teams Participating: 10 (including Brazil, Canada, Puerto Rico, Argentina)
Lawson’s appointment is widely seen as a strategic step toward long-term continuity in USA Women’s Basketball, ensuring a strong leadership bridge from collegiate to international dominance.