DURHAM, N.C. – Duke women’s basketball coach Kara Lawson on Monday hired former Kentucky head coach Kyra Elzy as an assistant, reuniting the former Tennessee teammates on the Blue Devils staff.
Lawson called the hiring a “great day” for Duke basketball in a statement that highlighted Elzy’s strong national reputation in recruiting and developing players such as three-time first-team All-American Rhyne Howard, the No. one of the 2022 WNBA draft. by the Atlanta Dream. The Blue Devils coach also praised Elzy’s integrity, tactical skills and passion, which she believes will elevate the program.
“She’s one of the best relationship builders I’ve ever met,” Lawson said of Elzy. “She has been an elite player and coach. I hope to fight together for championships again.”
Elzy said she is “elated” to be joining Duke, adding, “It is also a tremendous privilege to work with my sister and my former teammate.”
Lawson and Elzy were Tennessee teammates from 1999-2001 under legendary coach Pat Summitt, winning the SEC Tournament in 2000 and reaching the NCAA title game before falling to UConn.
Elzy coached Kentucky to a 64-62 victory over top-seeded South Carolina to win the 2022 Southeastern Conference Tournament and earn a second straight NCAA Tournament appearance. She went 61-60 during four seasons as coach of the Wildcats before being fired in March after consecutive losing seasons. Elzy also worked as an assistant and associate coach at Kentucky for two stints for a total of 12 years with the program.
Elzy also worked from 2012 to 2016 in the same capacities at his alma mater, in addition to stops at Western Kentucky and Kansas.
Duke head coach Kara Lawson works on the sidelines against Ohio State, March 24, 2024, in Columbus, Ohio. On Monday, June 10, 2024, Lawson hired former Kentucky head coach Kyra Elzy as an assistant, reuniting the former Tennessee teammates on the Blue Devils staff. Credit: AP/Aaron Doster