Duke lands Top Point Guard: autumn Fleary Commits to teh Blue Devils
Durham, NC – october 18, 2025 – In a significant win for Coach Kara Lawson and the duke Blue Devils, five-star recruit Autumn Fleary has committed to play women’s basketball at Duke University.Fleary, ranked as the No. 12 overall player and the nation’s top point guard in the 2026 class according to the SC Next 100,chose Duke over strong competition from UCLA,North Carolina,and LSU.
This commitment solidifies Duke’s position as a rising powerhouse in women’s college basketball.It also highlights Lawson’s growing reputation as a premier recruiter and developer of talent.
A Rising Star Chooses durham
Fleary announced her decision saturday, becoming the fourth top-50 recruit to pledge to Duke in the 2026 class. She joins Bella Flemings (No. 16), Sanai Green (No. 25), and Taylor Sofilkanich (No. 43) in forming a possibly dominant recruiting class.
“I chose Duke as it truly felt like family,” Fleary shared with ESPN. “Coach Kara Lawson and her staff are unbelievable people who care deeply about their players, both on and off the court.” She further emphasized the alignment between the team’s culture,her personal values,and her athletic aspirations.
What Makes Fleary a Game-Changer?
Autumn Fleary isn’t just a scorer; she’s a complete point guard. here’s a breakdown of what makes her such a highly sought-after prospect:
* Elite Defense: Fleary consistently applies intense ball pressure, disrupting opposing offenses.
* Remarkable Ball-Handling: Her savvy and control with the ball set her apart from her peers.
* All-Around Game: She impacts all facets of the game, contributing in scoring, rebounding, and assisting.
* Proven leadership: fleary led her Team Takeover squad to the Nike EYBL Championship this summer.
During that championship run, she averaged an impressive 19.1 points,3.4 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game.
Familiar Faces and a Shining future
Interestingly, Fleary will be joining a familiar face at Duke. Jadyn Donovan, a current junior forward for the Blue Devils, also played at Sidwell Friends in Washington, D.C., and came through the Team Takeover program. this existing connection could accelerate Fleary’s transition to college basketball.
Coach Lawson, who also leads the U.S. women’s national team, is building a program poised for sustained success. Despite signing only one freshman – Emilee Skinner (No. 4) – in the 2025 class, Duke is already ranked seventh in the women’s AP Top 25 preseason poll and first in the ACC coaches’ poll.
Looking ahead: Duke’s 2025-26 Season
You can catch the Blue Devils in action when they open their 2025-26 season against No. 16 Baylor on November 3rd in Paris, France. The game will be broadcast on ESPN at noon ET.
With a dynamic recruiting class and a proven coach,the future looks incredibly bright for Duke women’s basketball. Keep an eye on this program – they’re on the verge of something special.