Kara Lawson believes all the life lessons she learned from her dad and Pat Sumitt can be poured into others

Kara Lawson believes all the life lessons she learned from her dad and Pat Sumitt can be poured into others

Kara Lawson, a former WNBA player and current basketball coach, often speaks about the invaluable life lessons she learned from two important figures in her life: her father and legendary Tennessee women’s basketball coach Pat Summitt. Both influenced her in profound ways, shaping her approach to leadership, personal growth, and the way she interacts with others.

From her father, Kara learned the importance of hard work, discipline, and maintaining a strong sense of self. Growing up, her father instilled in her the belief that success doesn’t come easily or quickly but requires dedication and persistence. He also taught her the importance of humility—recognizing the value of others and understanding that no one achieves greatness alone. His guidance helped her develop resilience, encouraging her to face adversity head-on and push through challenges, knowing that growth often happens in difficult moments.

Pat Summitt, as Kara’s coach, provided another layer of mentorship that deeply impacted her. Summitt was known not only for her strategic brilliance but also for her ability to teach life lessons through basketball. One of the most valuable lessons Kara took from Coach Summitt was the power of leadership. Summitt led with a combination of toughness, fairness, and empathy. She was demanding but also deeply supportive, pushing her players to be their best while always being there for them when they needed her. This balance of high expectations and unconditional support is a lesson Kara has carried with her into coaching, where she emphasizes the importance of believing in her players while challenging them to reach their full potential.

Another crucial lesson Kara learned from Summitt was the importance of communication. Pat Summitt was renowned for her ability to read people, understanding when to push and when to pull back. Kara absorbed this skill and has applied it not only on the basketball court but in her personal and professional relationships. She believes in the power of honest, open communication—something that fosters trust and mutual respect.

Kara Lawson is passionate about passing on these lessons to the next generation of players and individuals. Her coaching philosophy blends hard work and discipline with emotional intelligence and personal growth. She stresses the significance of self-awareness, teaching her players not only how to be great athletes but also how to be great people. Kara believes that leadership isn’t about power but about inspiring others, serving them, and being a role model in the process.

She also values the lesson of perseverance, knowing that setbacks are part of the journey. Both her father and Pat Summitt taught her that success is not defined by never failing but by how you respond to failure. This mindset has helped her continue to grow, both as a coach and as a person, while encouraging others to do the same.

Ultimately, Kara Lawson’s life lessons are a reflection of the values of hard work, leadership, and personal integrity, all of which she strives to pass on to others, just as they were passed on to her.