Lawson Secures Two Five-Star Duke Commitments in a Week
Duke women’s basketball head coach Kara Lawson made headlines this week by securing two five-star recruits in a span of just five days. On October 13, Bella Flemings officially committed to the Blue Devils, followed by Autumn Fleary on October 18. This impressive feat has solidified the Class of 2026 as one of the most highly ranked in the nation.
Flemings and Fleary are joining four-star recruits Sanai Green and Taylor Soflikanich in what is shaping up to be a formidable team under Coach Lawson. Fleary’s commitment was particularly notable, as she chose Duke over their top rival, North Carolina. In addition to UNC, Fleary also considered LSU and UCLA before ultimately deciding on the Blue Devils.
The rapid acquisition of these elite recruits has significantly shifted the dynamics of women’s college basketball. While UConn and South Carolina continue to hold the top two spots in the AP Top 25, Lawson’s success in landing high-profile talent could position Duke as a serious contender in the coming years.
Bella Flemings: The First Piece of the Puzzle
Just one day before Duke was ranked No. 7 in the AP Top 25, Flemings announced her commitment to Coach Lawson. A native of San Antonio, Texas, Flemings is ranked No. 16 in the SC Next 100 Class of 2026. Her decision to join Duke was influenced not only by the strength of the basketball program but also by the prestige of the university itself.
“Not only that, but Duke is Duke. It’s a highly prestigious school and a degree from Duke means something,” Flemings said. “The people I will be surrounded with every day give me great networking opportunities.”
Flemings had several other options, including Tennessee, Baylor, TCU, and Miami. Although Lawson was confident in Flemings’ decision, the competition for Fleary proved to be more intense.
Autumn Fleary: A Key Addition to the Roster
After celebrating Flemings’ commitment, Lawson quickly turned her attention to securing another top recruit. Autumn Fleary, ranked No. 12 in the nation, became the fourth top-50 commit for the Blue Devils.
Fleary faced stiff competition from UCLA, UNC, and LSU—teams that currently rank higher than Duke in the AP Top 25. However, she chose Duke based on the coaching staff and the team’s culture.
“Coach Kara Lawson and her staff are incredible people who care deeply about their players on and off the court. The team’s culture, identity, and drive to win align perfectly with who I am as a person and as an athlete,” Fleary said.
With both Flemings and Fleary now on board, the Blue Devils have taken a major step toward establishing themselves as one of the premier programs in women’s college basketball. The 2025-26 season will be a crucial one for Coach Lawson, but the 2026-27 season promises to be even more significant.
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