In Greensboro, North Carolina, Duke’s women’s basketball team revels in a moment they have awaited for twelve long years. With the Atlantic Coast Conference championship secured, the time arrived for the Blue Devils to ceremoniously cut down the nets. Kara Lawson, the head coach, facilitated the event, guiding players through their first net-cutting experience, each selecting a strand to sever. With a background as a former WNBA champion and player under the distinguished coach Pat Summitt at Tennessee, Lawson was keen on ensuring the celebration proceeded smoothly after five years dedicated to building this achievement. The victory over No. 7 N.C. State grants Duke its first ACC title since 2013, a notable milestone for Lawson in her inaugural head coaching role, having navigated through the challenges of a season disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic that restricted her initial efforts to merely four games.
Sophomore reserve Oluchi Okananwa, who was named the ACC Tournament’s MVP, expressed the team’s confidence in Lawson’s vision and strategy. With 22 points and 10 rebounds, Okananwa exemplified the team’s determination and belief in their path forward. They managed to turn around a 14-point deficit from the first half against N.C. State, eventually outperforming them with a second-half score of 47-26. The Blue Devils were defensively robust, limiting the seasoned Wolfpack’s shooting to 32.3%, while Duke topped them in rebounds 26-10. Lawson recounted thoughts of Coach Summitt, emphasizing how the team’s defensive prowess mirrored Tennessee’s robust defenses from the past.
As Duke extended its lead to 18 points, the game’s final minutes became more about formalities, given that N.C. State had reached the finals in five out of the past six seasons, boasting three consecutive championships from 2020 to 2022. Lawson’s focus was on acknowledging the significance of overcoming N.C. State, a dominant force in the league over the past years. This victory brought about a shift as Lawson joined her players and the fans in celebrating the impending title. Once the game concluded, she maintained decorum by acknowledging the Wolfpack before celebrating with her team. Lawson’s players soon hoisted her on their shoulders, and she jovially pointed upwards, marking Duke’s pinnacle position within the 18-team league containing five top 25 teams.
Later, the celebration continued with Lawson seated on the stage, arm draped around the championship trophy, posing beside the clipped net that symbolized their triumph. The moment was poignant not only for Lawson but also for Nina King, Duke’s athletic director. King played a pivotal role in recruiting Lawson in 2020 amid the global health crisis when Joanne P. McCallie stepped down as coach. King seized the opportunity, transitioning Lawson from her position as a Boston Celtics assistant coach to a college head coach position, armed with her USA Basketball coaching experience. Now, Duke looks forward to hosting the NCAA Tournament’s opening weekend, harboring ambitions of surpassing last year’s Sweet 16 finish. King commended Lawson for her methodical team development, attracting top recruits and establishing a formidable presence on the court, aligning with the long-held vision for the program’s renaissance.
