Duke Women’s Basketball at ACC Tipoff: A Preview of the 2023 Season

Charlotte, N.C- The 2023 ACC Media Day held in Charlotte, North Carolina, marked the occasion for Duke Women’s Basketball Head Coach Kara Lawson to share her team’s goals and aspirations for the upcoming season. Alongside her talented players, Reigan Richardson and Kennedy Brown, Lawson unveiled her vision for the Blue Devils in the ACC Tipoff on October 24th.

Duke’s women’s basketball program had a spectacular season, earning them a No. 3 seed in the NCAA Tournament and advancing to the second round. With 26 victories, this marked their highest win total since the 2016-17 season, and their 14 conference wins were the most since 2012-13. Coach Lawson was equally impressive on the recruiting trail, securing a top-15 recruiting class for the second consecutive year. Under Kara Lawson’s leadership, Duke’s women’s basketball program continues to thrive, with a bright future on the horizon.

In her four years as head coach, Kara Lawson, a former WNBA and Olympic Champion, has left an indelible mark on the Duke University women’s basketball program. In the 2022-23 season, Lawson guided the Blue Devils to their most successful campaign in recent history, achieving a remarkable 26-7 overall record and a second-place finish in ACC play. The team’s elite defense ranked them third in the NCAA in scoring defense (51.0) and tenth in field goal percentage defense (35.2). This influence was evident in the individual success of players like Celeste Taylor, who earned ACC Defensive Player of the Year honors and numerous accolades.

With every passing year, Kara Lawson’s players, including Reigan Richardson and Kennedy Brown, face mounting expectations. The desire to achieve more is a driving force within the team.

Duke’s outstanding defense in the previous season sets the bar high for the upcoming one. Coach Lawson emphasizes the importance of experienced players passing on their knowledge to newcomers, ensuring that the legacy of strong defense continues.

Accountability is a core value for Duke. Players and coaches alike strive for excellence, pushing each other to be better every day, knowing their strengths and weaknesses, and embracing self-awareness as a crucial part of their journey. Reigan Richardson plans to improve her leadership skills by becoming more vocal on the court. She acknowledges that this challenge may be uncomfortable, but she believes it will make her unstoppable. Kennedy Brown, on the other hand, is focusing on mental toughness as her key to success

Duke welcomes six new faces with impressive speed and athleticism, adding depth and dynamism to their roster. The team’s strategy is simple but effective: “Taking one game at a time.” Duke eagerly anticipates their game against Stanford at their home ground, believing it will provide an excellent environment to test their mental toughness.

As we look ahead to the 2023 season, the excitement around Duke Women’s Basketball is palpable. The team’s impressive performance in the previous season and Coach Kara Lawson’s vision for the future promise an exciting journey for fans and players alike. With a committed coaching staff and players determined to push their limits, Duke exudes confidence and determination as they embark on another season in the highly competitive ACC.