Kara Lawson, born on February 14, 1981, in Alexandria, Virginia, has carved out an impressive career in basketball. Her journey began at West Springfield High School, where she excelled in both basketball and soccer.
Lawson’s high school record was an impressive 83-2, and she won two state championships during her sophomore and senior years. Her exceptional skills on the court earned her a WBCA All-American title in 1999.
After high school, Lawson attended the University of Tennessee, where she played for the Lady Vols basketball team under the legendary coach Pat Summitt. She graduated in 2003 with a degree in finance and received the Frances Pomeroy Naismith Award, recognizing her as the best senior player under 5 ft 8 in.
Kara Lawson’s professional career began when she was selected as the fifth overall pick by the Detroit Shock in the 2003 WNBA draft. However, she was soon traded to the Sacramento Monarchs, where she played a pivotal role in leading the team to a WNBA championship victory in 2005. Her success on the court continued as she won a gold medal at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, China.
In 2020, Lawson was named the head coach of the Duke Blue Devils women’s basketball team. Her leadership has been transformative for the program, leading the team to consecutive winning seasons and establishing a reputation for having one of the nation’s top defensive teams.
Kara Lawson Meeting Her Husband, Damien Barling
Kara Lawson’s personal life is equally intriguing, particularly her relationship with her husband, Damien Barling. Their paths crossed in Sacramento, California, shortly after Lawson’s championship win with the Sacramento Monarchs.
Both were navigating demanding careers—Lawson on the basketball court and Barling in the broadcasting studio. Their shared love for sports and mutual admiration for each other’s work laid the foundation for a strong and enduring relationship.
Damien Barling, a prominent sports broadcaster and journalist, has been a significant figure in the Sacramento sports scene. His work has complemented Lawson’s achievements on the court, making them a true power couple in the world of sports and media.
Barling even had Lawson on his show for a chat right after she was officially announced as a color analyst, showcasing their supportive and collaborative dynamic.
Marriage and Shared Passions
Kara Lawson is married to Damien Barling, a prominent radio broadcaster and journalist. The couple met in Sacramento after Lawson played a pivotal role in leading the Sacramento Monarchs to a WNBA championship victory in 2005.
Their shared love for sports and mutual admiration laid the foundation for a strong and enduring relationship. They tied the knot on April 12, 2008, blending their demanding careers with a deep understanding of each other’s aspirations.
Damien Barling is a well-known on-air personality for ESPN 1320 and 102.5 KSFM. He hosts and produces daily shows, running from 12-4 p.m. on ESPN 1320 and 3-7 p.m. on 102.5 KSFM. His broadcasting career complements Lawson’s achievements on the court, making them a true power couple in the world of sports and media.
Their marriage has thrived amidst their busy schedules, with Barling’s support playing a crucial role in Lawson’s transition from a player to a coach and her subsequent success with the Duke Blue Devils.
Power of Shared Passions
Kara Lawson’s story is one of dedication, hard work, and an unwavering passion for basketball. Her relationship with Damien Barling adds an inspiring layer to her narrative, showcasing the power of shared passions and mutual support.
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As Lawson continues to lead the Duke Blue Devils to new heights, Barling’s unwavering support remains a constant source of strength and encouragement. Their love story, rooted in the world of sports, continues to inspire as they navigate their respective careers with grace and ded
