This story originally appeared in the 14.6 Issue of GoDuke the Magazine January 2023. We're going to miss her. Dedicated to sharing the stories of Duke student-athletes, present and past, GoDuke The Magazine is published for Duke Athletics by LEARFIELD with editorial offices at 3100 Tower Blvd., Suite 404, Durham, NC 27707. The truth is, it doesnt get easier, you get in better shape, she says. Buy-in acceptance of and willingness to actively support and participate in something, such as a proposed new plan or policy. Long-time GM Danny Ainge retired and coach Brad Stevens is replacinghim in the front office. We've got three coaches that are talented enough to run their own programs -- two of them already have - and have great experience recruiting the type of young woman we want at Duke.". The bells rang out across Duke's campus at 5 p.m., chiming as if in celebration of Blue Devil senior Celeste Taylor. Lawson has long been involved with professional basketball. Marisa Moseley. P. Sue Beckwith, MD, Head Women's Basketball Coach; Coaching Staff; Dressed for Championships; Welcome Home. "It's not one of those things where 'she's good for a female.' A noticeable pickup in good chatter during practice followed by consistent play during the games this season has the Blue Devils sporting a 17-2 record (through Jan. 25) and holding opponents to just 50.9 points per game and 34.7 percent shooting both marks atop the league charts and in the top 10 nationally. Scheyer bleeds Duke blue through and through, playing four years from 2006-2010, then joining the coaching staff as a special assistant in April 2013, ultimately being promoted to assistant. Lawson added that since Sunday's game, the ACC has instituted a rule change where players have to confirm the correct ball during the captain's meeting prior to tip. And he continued to speak well of his then-assistant. THIRD TIME'S A CHARM: Duke women's basketball downs North Carolina to reach ACC tournament semifinals, Brinker's top-10 finish not enough as Duke women's golf underwhelms at Darius Rucker Intercollegiate, Isaiah Hamilton elected DSG president, Ashley Bae to be EVP, Chagall at the Chapel: Beautiful and powerful, 'We can get there': Inside Duke womens basketballs swift rise to ACC contention, Column: Powered by the Roach-Proctor backcourt, Duke men's basketball is growing offensively, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver to deliver Class of 2023 commencement address, DukeAfrica endorses Isaiah Hamilton for DSG president, Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers endorses Isaiah Hamilton for DSG president, Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers. For Duke women's basketball head coach Kara Lawson, if she and the rest of the coaching staff were going to implement a new defensive scheme for the 2022-23 season, they needed the. She was in Australia coaching with USA Basketball during those months and credits the assistants for working closely with the players. The Blue Zone breaks down the loss: She led the score sheet and she . From the moment head coach Kara Lawson joined Duke, she has surrounded herself with high-quality assistants. Now with the Blue Devils in the thick of conference action the numbers have understandably dropped a touch, but Lawson and the Blue Devils are excited to meet the challenge of ACC play night in and night out. She leads the team and ranks fifth in the ACC in steals while also pacing Duke on offense with 12.9 points, 2.1 assists and 28.1 minutes played per game. NC State women's basketball has become accustomed to success in the last few seasons. "I think the world of Kara, Stevens said. Hearing the consistency and the ownership in games has been a huge change for us. I don't really believe in timelines because I think when you set them, you predestine yourself to meet the timeline, and never be ahead of it, she said Feb. 21. LEXINGTON Kentucky women's basketball coach Kyra Elzy is adding a Hall of Famer to her coaching staff. And she'd never lost to Duke. Seen, Supported, and most importantly not alone on your journey to The Open Field. de Jesus, Ashlon All rights reserved, The All 22 - An Inside Look at Duke Football, Hide/Show Additional Information For Celeste Taylor, Hide/Show Additional Information For Vanessa de Jesus, Hide/Show Additional Information For Ashlon Jackson, Hide/Show Additional Information For Elizabeth Balogun, Hide/Show Additional Information For Taya Corosdale, Hide/Show Additional Information For Jordyn Oliver, Hide/Show Additional Information For Emma Koabel, Hide/Show Additional Information For Kennedy Brown, Hide/Show Additional Information For Shay Bollin, Hide/Show Additional Information For Imani Lewis, Hide/Show Additional Information For Reigan Richardson, Hide/Show Additional Information For Shayeann Day-Wilson, Hide/Show Additional Information For Bo Shaffer, Hide/Show Additional Information For Jiselle Havas, Hide/Show Additional Information For Mia Heide, Hide/Show Additional Information For Emma Schmidt, Valley Stream, N.Y. / Long Island Lutheran, Lagos, Nigeria / Hamilton Heights Christian Academy, Port Colborne, Ont., Canada / Niagara Prep, Raynham, Mass. However, the team ignored the outside noise, staying focused on its goals and the task at hand. Duke is still holding opponents under 51 points per game and has allowed only one ACC squad to score more than 58 points in a game. . Full access to Maria's collection of inspiring weekly essays. 13 Duke wound up on top with a 44-40 win over No. 2022-23 Women's Basketball Coaching Staff. We don't want her to go, but it's on to bigger and better opportunities.". It is undeniable that the offense will need to improve for the Blue Devils to do some damage in March. We're asking them to do things that they haven't done before, she says. With the three-headed monster of Taylor, Brown and Balogun leading the charge, the Blue Devils have given opposing offenses fits all season and its never in the same way. Last season, Duke finished the year with a 17-13 overall record and 7-11 mark in conference play. Heide, Emma Chris Carrawell. Beyond her work with Smart, Lawson left a lasting impression on Celtics players with her ability to connect with players. And why did Lawson leave the Celtics? Tickets: (919) 681-BLUE. GREENSBORO In a defensive grudge match that seemed like players ended up on the floor on almost every possession, No. Mike Schrage. Brown, in her first season at Duke after transferring from Oregon State, is a major disruptor around the basket standing at 6-foot-6. I think all the credit goes to them for as hard as theyre willing to play for us for 40 minutes every game and what were asking them to do and theyve actually bought in, Lange said. Slipped is relative. It may only be July, but the early portion of Duke and head coach Kara Lawson's upcoming schedule is now clear. Lawson, Tia This Expert Has the Secret to Easing Your Mind, Still in the Game: New Campaign Starring Veteran Storytellers Challenges Hollywood to #RethinkAging. The independent news organization of Duke University. The conference continues to prioritize and support our nearly 10,000 student-athletes in a world-class manner and conduct its 27 sponsored sports with the utmost integrity. Beths experience having been a head coach for many years, having been at a top program at Notre Dame, having learned and coached with Muffet McGraw, a Hall of Fame coach, having been at Final Fours, having won a national championship; there is so much she brings to the table for Duke. Gandy helped the Owls to a 72-22 overall record and a 42-8 mark in Conference USA the past three seasons. ACC women's basketball coaches Niele Ivey, Katie Meier, Felisha Legette-Jack and Kara Lawson talk about the upcoming season at media day. Signup for our weekly newsletter. The man likely tasked with replacing the winningest college basketball coach ever is a former Duke player who moved to the Blue Devils' bench just eight years ago and was promoted to associate . There is no quantifying grit, but there is no question that this team has the heart of a lion. Before the season, Lawsons message was clear. Share and discuss 'We can get there': Inside Duke womens basketballs swift rise to ACC contention on social media. They're superwomen. The official 2022-23 Women's Basketball Roster for the Duke University . Who is the player of the year in every women's college basketball conference? And even though Lawson left the team after the 2020 season, the two still keep in touch. Assistant Coach. Clemson and Louisville are the only two conference foes to shoot over 40 percent against the Blue Devils, but Duke used 11 and 20 points off turnovers, respectively, to pull out wins and remain at the top of the ACC standings. So that concept applies to everything., Lawson says that she and her coaching staff challenge their players. An instrumental part in helping the Duke women's basketball team boast one of the nation's top defenses throughout the season, Taylor leads the squad in total steals (58) and steals per game (2.0 . Last year, we were the 10th-place team in the league playing on Wednesday [in the ACC tournament], said Lawson Monday. That mental shift for me was super helpful., #4: Strength Fuels Your Ability to Handle Hard, Most of what Lawson talks to her team about is analogous to sports and what a team or individual athlete is facing. But unless you continue to play, we lose that unique mentorship. No matter if the Blue Devils are up or down in the game, it is evident that they play hard and play together. (Associate head coach) Winston (Gandy) referred to her several times this summer as the ambulance because last year she was going all over the place saving everybody. I think they're representing this school and Duke basketball in an incredible way right now.. Tenacious defense and the full-court press has given opposing offenses nightmares, and Lawson has set out a clear philosophy that her team has embraced. Hes coming from academically intense institution as well. Kara Lawson patrols the sidelines during Duke's home win Thursday evening against Pittsburgh. But she has to be on the floor defensively for us to be really good.. In Duke's recent 77-62 victory over N.C. State, Taylor made numerous defensive plays, including a chase-down block on Wolfpack forward Mimi Collins and multiple deflections in the final two. Duke announced its nonconference schedule for the 2022-23 season via release. And the student-athletes must have the confidence that their teammates will always have their backs, because defense is a total team effort. My job is to equip themin every wayoutside of basketball and school, to be able to change the worldand to change the world as a woman, you must have an incredible amount of toughness, an incredible amount of competitiveness, and an incredible amount of resilience. The former WNBA star doesn't have a lot of coaching experience, but she has been involved with the Boston organization and seems to have a good relationship with Brad Stevens. Odds are Duke will stay comparatively young again next season, with so many guys expected to leave and five top-20 prospects committed in the Class of 2023, but "this is our foundational year . facebook Scott Merritt. Elzy has hired former Duke and Texas head coach Gail Goestenkors as one of . She's always been there for me. She got an opportunity to serve as the coach of the Duke women's basketball team. Volleyball Wrestling Duke University Athletics Department Mailing Address:PO Box 90555, Durham, NC 27708 Department Shipping Address:Scott Family Athletics Performance Center, Room 364, 110. I think they hire Kara Lawson. Corosdale, Jordyn A best-in-class newsletter that Inspires Hearts and Minds and Moves Balogun gives the Blue Devils great versatility on defense. Lawson said that, throughout the first half, Duke players were "complaining about the ball." Amy Yakola, ACC deputy commissioner and chief of external affairs, provided The Chronicle with a statement from the ACC Friday morning: "Upon completion of the game, the conference office was made aware of the allegation and immediately conducted a comprehensive review," the statement read. It's official, Duke's coaching staff has a new member. Cancel at any time. The Chronicle also reached out Thursday night to a Florida State team spokesperson, who directed all media to the ACC's statement Friday morning. Tia has so much experience and shes great at building relationships. Amile Jefferson. There are going to be some weaker defenders out there. Becoming arguably the most disruptive defense in the ACC and ranking ninth nationally in field goal percentage defense started with hours in the film room and in practice. The Blue Devils forced 19.6 turnovers per game in the 11 games, including 15 against UConn, while also holding the Huskies to 12 points below their season average at the time. We wait for life to get easier, Lawson told her Duke team. Take Dukes win at Notre Dame. Its really nice to say were going to play great defense. It is just a perfect fit and I am looking forward to the challenge.. UNC used a 10-2 run in the second quarter to take a 24-19 lead into halftime as Balogun's 3-pointer with 8 seconds left in the half ended an 0-for-6 shooting drought for the Devils and cut into an eight-point deficit. This Duke team has shown elite fight game-in and game-out, along with a serious will to win. In taking over for the Tigers, Mulkey became the eighth head coach in LSU women's basketball history. Balogun, Taya Duke assistant coach Beth Cunningham will be introduced as Missouri State's next head coach Thursday morning, per release . Jai Lucas. Moving You and Humanity Forward. "Three of the most important decisions a headContinue Reading 6 N.C. State LOST IN THE FOREST: Shorthanded Duke men's basketball falls on the road to Wake Forest in return to . It's an amazing life lesson and feeling when you do something you didn't think initially you could do. (1:15) Facebook Cunningham and Jackson both are coming to Duke from other ACC schools and have been coaching for the past two decades. Im not very patient I don't think there's a timeline here. They have formed a team identity by playing consistently on the defensive end of the floor. McCallie has coached at Duke since. 2022-23 All-ACC Women's Basketball Team. Winston is also a very well-rounded coach. Most people would think its because shes 6-6 and she gives you great size, Lange said. "so we're excited to have her on board. "She's insanely good as a coach," headded. It never settles. Understanding that we can handle it is a way to free ourselves, she believes. This doesnt change the mile. Carver-Hawkeye Arena; Welcome to Campus; The University of Iowa; Iowa City; Contact. It can be as simple as once we get through the holiday season to January, stuff's going to settle. While she was still playing, Lawson started a broadcast career and became the first woman to serve as a broadcast analyst for an NBA game. It doesn't get shorter. When we step on the court, we know defense comes first.. Full Schedule wbball Sat, Jan 28 Final James Madison 64 at Georgia State 72 wbball Thu, Feb 2 Final James Madison 72 at South Alabama 54 wbball Sat, Feb 4 Final James Madison 61 at Georgia Southern 72 wbball Thu, Feb 9 Final James Madison 65 vs Louisiana 59 wbball Sat, Feb 11 Final James Madison 70 vs Arkansas State 57 wbball Thu, Feb 16 Final 2023 Duke Athletics. Women's Basketball There is no additional information to display. "She became more than just my shooting coach, she became a longtime friend and somebody I know I can talk to if I ever need advice, Smart said after Lawson was announced as Duke's next coach, per NBC Sports Boston. Upon arriving at Duke, Lawson knew her most pressing work required people skills to match her deep basketball knowledge. After playing professionally, she began as an assistant coach at Virginia Commonwealth in 2001 before becoming head coach two years later and staying in that role until 2012. Richardson had 10. That, of course, means that Boston is going to need a new coach. Before we could ask her to coach us, Lawson did just that. And will she have a chance to be the NBA's first female coach? Duke and UNC combined to shoot 31% in the first half, making just 16 of 53 shots from the field. Schmidt, Kara In 2021, the severe lack of equipment afforded to women in their NCAA tournament bubble was exposed, ultimately leading to positive change, including extending March Madness branding to the women's tournament. "Kara is always known for putting a smile on players' faces," center Robert Williams saidafter Lawson joined Duke, per Justin Leger of NBC Sports Boston. This is where the non-basketball skill of trust comes in. She held an incredible streak of 14 consecutive 20-point games, the second-longest ever in NCAA Men's or . Lange. Lawson uses the example of being out of shape: If jogging a mile leaves you winded and tired, you may think I cant wait to get to two weeks, then it'll be easier. The official 2020-21 Women's Basketball Roster for the Wisconsin Badgers Badgers. Lawson and current assistant Jay Larranaga would representthe best options if Stevens wants some continuity and chemistry at the head coach spot. The Sunday Paper Team. Kara Lawson. The senior leads the squad with nearly six rebounds per game and picks up one steal per game to go along with a 10.9 points per game average. It has been a place that I have held very near and dear to my heart over the years. Duke moves on to Saturday's semifinals where it will face the winner of Friday's late Miami-Virginia Tech game. She spent time at Stanford, she understands what the process is like in terms of recruiting kids that are high achievers in more than one facet of their lives. And that cares about you. This may be why people respond to her videos. The trio boasts a combined. Taylor is a highly skilled elite athlete with an incredibly high basketball IQ. I think thats really really key, being connected and trusting each other. "The lack of accountability is striking. Jonathan Levitan is a Trinity junior and sports editor of The Chronicle's 118th volume. I've gotten so many messages of people just telling their story and how this has helped them, she says. Share and discuss First half of Duke women's basketball's loss to Florida State played with a men's ball, head coach Kara Lawson says on social media. The Blue Devils ranked 11th in the ACC and 156th in the country in field goal percentage defense. The job should be an attractive one considering that the team has high-end youngtalents including All-Stars Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. . After taking the reins of the Vanderbilt women's basketball program earlier this month, head coach Shea Ralph has announced her inaugural coaching staff with the additions of Tom Garrick, Ashley Earley and Kevin DeMille. Duke basketball coaching staff could undergo more changes Amid the Nate James news, fellow associate head coach Jon Scheyer is still in the mix for the head coaching vacancy at DePaul, located approximately 30 minutes outside of his hometown of Northbrook, Illinois. Down three with 15 seconds left, Fighting Irish junior guard Olivia Miles broke the Blue Devil press and drove down the court. Duke women's basketball fell in its regular-season finale to rival North Carolina, breaking its season-long home win streak. It's what I teach my players every day," Lawson said. Women's basketball vs. Duke. If thats not life-stretching wisdom, we dont know what is. Coach (Lawson) has said this in practices as well. In Dukes recent 77-62 victory over N.C. State, Taylor made numerous defensive plays, including a chase-down block on Wolfpack forward Mimi Collins and multiple deflections in the final two minutes of the first half, to swing the momentum onto the Blue Devils side. She was a part of two of the most successful seasons in Duke history. You can have individually-talented people, but you must have a group that fits together. Shes in her forties and is a mom and trying to navigate it all. A lot of people needed to be coached that day.. Sophomore guard Reigan Richardson, one of the impact transfers that Lawson nabbed at the beginning of the season, coincidentally also came from Georgia and had a special relationship with Lange. The core of the team guards Shayeann Day-Wilson and Celeste Taylor and wing Elizabeth Balogun remained intact, but the supporting pieces that Lawson brought in have made a great impact this season. In addition, assistant head coach Beth Cunningham moved on to a head coaching position, and Lawson filled her spot with a well-respected and experienced coach: Karen Lange. Looking to Find More Joy in a World Filled With Pain? But how did Lawson get to this point so quickly after her playing career came to an end? Hes also really, really good at building relationships and really, really good in terms of Xs and Os.. She's someone I can come to not just for basketball but for other things outside of that, so I love coach Karen, said Richardson at the teams preseason media day. View Full Bio. (Weve seen) some high-level decisions being made out on the floor.. There is an urgency for helping the young women in our country become more powerful. Women's Basketball Coaching Staff. While it was obvious to the staff there needed to be a focus on improving defensive schemes, it was not a plug-and-play situation. (But) you really have to have players who are willing to work that hard every possession. "This included discussion with all parties involved, including game officials, game administrators, table crew and both schools. The Duke Women's Basketball Head Coach and star athlete, who has covered the sports spectrum from playing for the U.S. National Team to coaching for the Boston Celtics to broadcasting for ESPN, recently gave her players a pep talk about handling the hard things in life. The conference and Florida State is saying that it wasn't.". The coach, who has many inspiring videos to watch, admits that her talks are for her players (she credits her creative director Selena Castillo for putting the videos online), but shes inspired to hear how what she has to say resonates further.