U.S. Women's Basketball coach Kara Lawson expressed that winning the FIBA World Cup championship would hold profound significance, particularly as the final coincides with the weekend of the 25th anniversary of the September 11th terrorist attacks. The team secured its spot in the championship game with a 76-66 victory over Spain in Berlin.

Lawson, who has a long history with USA Basketball, stated that a World Cup title would mean a great deal for the country. "I think, you know, being a part of USA Basketball for so long, there’s a great pride in it," Lawson said. "I don’t know if there’s anyone prouder to represent the U.S. than I am in this capacity."

She acknowledged the somber anniversary, noting that the team felt the presence of the U.S. and was mindful of the events of 9/11. "And so we think about that. And I felt the presence of the U.S. here, even though we are in Europe. I felt it, and certainly felt it yesterday in 9/11 and, you know, a somber anniversary," Lawson stated.

The 2001 attacks resulted in nearly 3,000 deaths across New York City, the Pentagon, and near Shanksville, Pennsylvania. Remembrance ceremonies were held across the nation on the anniversary.

Lawson believes that sports can serve as a unifying force for the country. "I think our team hopefully is creating unity across our country. People being proud about how we play and how we represent the red, white and blue," she said.

Lawson's involvement with USA Basketball began in her teenage years, and she later won an Olympic gold medal as a player in 2008. She has also coached U.S. teams to gold medals in 3x3 basketball at the Tokyo Olympics and in the 2024 Paris Games. She was selected in 2025 to lead the senior national team through the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

The U.S. team is now one win away from its first major international championship under Lawson's full coaching tenure. The semifinal victory against Spain was hard-fought, with the U.S. outscoring Spain 12-2 in the final period after the game was tied at 58 entering the fourth quarter. Breanna Stewart led the team with 16 points, followed by Kahleah Copper with 13 and Jackie Young with 12.

This victory extended the Americans’ World Cup winning streak to 35 games, with their last loss in the tournament occurring in the 2006 semifinals. The U.S. will face France in the championship game, a rematch of the 2024 Olympic gold-medal game. France reached the final undefeated and is appearing in its first World Cup final.

Guard Paige Bueckers also shared her perspective, emphasizing the importance of her faith during the tournament. "My faith has always been important to me," Bueckers said. "It’s carried me through life. It’s been my rock, my foundation. So, I take that with me wherever I go."