Kara Lawson Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday

Kara Lawson is a former WNBA star, Olympic gold-medalist and current college basketball head coach recognized for her transition from elite athlete to influential leader in women’s basketball and broadcasting.

Introduction

Kara Lawson has built a remarkable journey from standout WNBA guard to head coach of the Duke Blue Devils women’s basketball team — cementing a legacy as both a player and mentor. Born on February 14, 1981, her birthdate and birthday mark the start of a life steeped in basketball excellence. Her estimated net worth, while modest compared with some household names, underscores a career spanning professional sports, media, and coaching. Lawson’s personal life includes a long-term marriage, which has quietly supported her public endeavors.

Quick Facts

From Young Athlete to Basketball Prodigy

Kara Lawson’s trajectory began in Alexandria, Virginia, where she was born to parents William and Kathleen Lawson. As the middle of three girls, her upbringing encouraged athletic participation: “you had to play a sport every season,” she recalled in a 2023 interview.

By high school, Lawson’s talent was undeniable. She attended West Springfield High School, where she excelled in basketball and soccer. As a senior, she was honored as the 1999 Naismith High School Player of the Year, while also earning All-America accolades from USA Today, Parade, and the WBCA.

Her prowess earned her a scholarship to the University of Tennessee, where she majored in finance and starred for the Lady Vols from 1999 to 2003. Under legendary coach Pat Summitt, Lawson became a four-time first-team All-SEC player, finishing her college career ranked among Tennessee’s all-time leaders in three-pointers, free throw percentage, and total points.

Defining moments in Kara Lawson’s journey include:

• Being named Naismith High School Player of the Year (1999) and leading her team to back-to-back state championships. 

• Excelling at Tennessee both on the court and in the classroom — graduating with a finance degree while achieving All-America honors and setting lasting records. 

• Being drafted No. 5 overall in the 2003 WNBA Draft by the Detroit Shock, beginning a 13-year professional career that would end with the Washington Mystics. 

The Core Pillars of Kara Lawson’s Wealth Include:

• Professional playing career in the WNBA — 13 seasons across Sacramento, Connecticut, and Washington; highlighted by a 2005 championship with the Sacramento Monarchs.

• Broadcasting and media work — While still a player, Lawson began working as an analyst for NBA and WNBA games. In 2007, she became the first woman to serve as the nationwide broadcast analyst for an NBA game.

• Coaching and leadership roles — Transitioned into coaching: assistant for the Boston Celtics, then head coach at Duke since 2020.

Although reported estimates — such as from one public source — place Lawson’s net worth at roughly US$1 Million, these figures likely capture only part of her earnings and do not account for coaching contracts, media work, or potential investments. 

Love, Family, and Personal Foundations

Off the court, Kara Lawson has kept a relatively private personal life. She married broadcaster Damien Barling on April 12, 2008.

Barling is a radio journalist and podcast host, known for longstanding work at stations like ESPN 1320 and 102.5 KSFM in Sacramento, and for founding the “Be Heard” podcast platform.

Rather than flourish under shared spotlight, their relationship seems grounded in mutual respect, shared passions for sports media, and understanding the demands of life in professional athletics and broadcasting.

Key insights into Kara Lawson’s relationships and personal life:

• She and Damien Barling met in Sacramento, where their professional paths crossed.

• Their marriage date is publicly documented as April 12, 2008.

• Despite busy careers — Lawson in coaching and broadcasting, Barling in radio/podcasting — they have maintained their bond with mutual support and respect.

Beyond Career: Interests, Values & Lifestyle

Beyond her basketball and media career, Lawson’s personal interests and values hint at a life beyond the limelight:

• She has been active in community service and charitable causes, including efforts connected to the American Cancer Society and youth empowerment.

• Music is among her passions — for example, she plays piano.

• Her upbringing emphasized balance: academics, athletics, and personal growth — a philosophy she seems to carry into her coaching, mentoring young athletes at Duke.

Net Worth Breakdown & Analysis

Note: The “US$1 Million” figure is an estimate from a site that tends to understate long-term earning potential — given Lawson’s sustained presence in high-profile roles, her actual net worth may be significantly higher, though no reliable public accounting has been published.

How Kara Lawson Is Viewed Publicly: Influence and Legacy

Kara Lawson is widely respected across the basketball world — first for her stellar athleticism and competitive spirit, then for her transition into media, and now as a top women’s basketball coach. Her presence in multiple facets of the sport — player, analyst, coach — gives her a unique perspective, making her a role model for athletes aiming to build multifaceted careers.

At Duke, she’s credited with instilling discipline, team chemistry, and defensive rigor — qualities that have raised the profile of the program and renewed optimism among some fans that Duke could reclaim national prominence.

Her quiet but steady personal life, alongside her husband’s media work, underscores that success in the limelight doesn’t require constant exposure — sometimes, sustained excellence speaks louder than flash.

Conclusion

Kara Lawson’s story — from a talented Virginia teenager to WNBA champion, Olympic gold-winner, pioneering analyst, and respected head coach — is one of resilience, versatility, and quiet determination. Her birthdate, February 14, 1981, marks the beginning of a journey defined by hard work and a lasting passion for basketball. Her estimated net worth may be modest on paper, but the true value lies in decades of impact — on the court, in the broadcast studio, and from the sidelines as a coach. Her marriage to Damien Barling speaks to a personal foundation rooted in mutual respect and shared professional understanding.

Kara Lawson’s legacy reminds us that success isn’t always about big numbers — it’s about lasting influence, integrity, and leadership.