Kara Lawson is the new U.S. women’s basketball team head coach for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic cycle, hired by one of her old rivals — Sue Bird — to follow the path of Lawson’s legendary college coach — Pat Summitt.

Lawson, the 44-year-old Duke head coach, succeeds Cheryl Reeve at the helm of a program seeking a record-extending ninth consecutive Olympic title.

“I will work tirelessly to uphold the standards of this storied program,” Lawson said in a USA Basketball press release . “There is no greater honor in our sport than to be chosen to lead the U.S. women in world competition. I understand the responsibility and the challenges that lie ahead. I look forward to meeting them head on.

“This has been something I’ve worked towards for a long time.”

The U.S.’ first Olympic women’s

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