Tennessee Volunteers women’s basketball enthusiasts are in for a special treat this fall as Netflix has announced the upcoming release of a documentary centered on the impactful collegiate career of former Lady Vol standout Kara Lawson.

Tennessee Volunteers women’s basketball enthusiasts are in for a special treat this fall as Netflix has announced the upcoming release of a documentary centered on the impactful collegiate career of former Lady Vol standout Kara Lawson. The documentary promises to delve deep into Lawson’s journey from a young athlete in Virginia to becoming one of the most influential figures in women’s basketball.

Early Life and High School Achievements

Born on February 14, 1981, in Alexandria, Virginia, Kara Lawson’s passion for basketball was evident from a young age. She attended West Springfield High School, where she excelled in both basketball and soccer. Under her leadership, the basketball team clinched state championships in 1997 and 1999. Her outstanding performance earned her the title of WBCA All-American, and she was named the Most Valuable Player in the 1999 WBCA High School All-America Game after scoring 20 points.

Collegiate Career at the University of Tennessee

Lawson’s decision to join the University of Tennessee in 1999 marked the beginning of a remarkable collegiate career under the tutelage of the legendary Coach Pat Summitt. During her four-year tenure with the Lady Vols, Lawson’s contributions were pivotal in the team’s consistent success.

On-Court Achievements

• Team Success: The Lady Vols boasted a 136-17 record during Lawson’s time, securing four SEC regular-season titles and an SEC Tournament crown. They reached the NCAA Final Four three times, finishing as runners-up in 2000 and 2003, and third in 2002.
• Individual Records: Lawson concluded her collegiate career with 1,950 points, placing her sixth on Tennessee’s all-time scoring list. She also ranks third in career three-point field goals made (256) and second in three-point field goal percentage (.415). Her free throw percentage of .847 places her third in the program’s history.

Academic and Leadership Excellence

Beyond the court, Lawson was a model student-athlete. She was a three-time SEC Academic Honor Roll member and received the prestigious Torchbearer Award in 2003, the highest honor for a University of Tennessee student. Her commitment to community service was recognized with two SEC Community Service Awards.

Transition to Professional Basketball

In the 2003 WNBA Draft, Lawson was selected fifth overall by the Detroit Shock. She was subsequently traded to the Sacramento Monarchs, where she played a significant role in their 2005 championship win. Over her 13-year WNBA career, Lawson also played for the Connecticut Sun and Washington Mystics. She earned a WNBA All-Star selection in 2007 and was twice honored with the Kim Perrot Sportsmanship Award.

Broadcasting and Coaching Endeavors

Parallel to her playing career, Lawson ventured into broadcasting, becoming a respected analyst for ESPN and the Washington Wizards. In 2007, she made history as the first woman to serve as a nationwide broadcast analyst for an NBA game.

Her coaching journey began in 2019 when she joined the Boston Celtics as an assistant coach, making her one of the few women to coach in the NBA. In 2020, she was appointed as the head coach of Duke University’s women’s basketball team. Under her leadership, the team clinched the ACC Tournament Championship in 2025.

International Representation

Lawson’s prowess extended to the international stage. She was a member of the U.S. women’s basketball team that won gold at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Additionally, she coached the U.S. women’s national 3×3 team to gold at the 2020 Summer Olympics.

Anticipated Netflix Documentary

The upcoming Netflix documentary aims to provide an in-depth look into Lawson’s journey, highlighting her challenges, triumphs, and the indelible mark she left on women’s basketball. Through interviews, archival footage, and personal anecdotes, viewers will gain insight into the determination and resilience that defined Lawson’s career.

Kara Lawson’s story is one of perseverance, excellence, and breaking barriers. From her early days in Virginia to her stellar collegiate career, professional achievements, and contributions as a coach and broadcaster, Lawson has continually paved the way for future generations. The forthcoming Netflix documentary is poised to celebrate her legacy and inspire countless others