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Basketball legend, Olympian inspires City House kids
Kelsey Kruzich / Staff Photo -- Nancy Lieberman shows youth from City House how to shoot a basket from half court and talks to them about how to be successful in life during a speaking engagement Friday.
By Conner Hammett, chammett@starlocalnews.com
It was an afternoon of hoops and heart-to-hearts Friday when two-time basketball Hall of Famer and U.S. Olympian Nancy Lieberman spent some quality time with children and teens from Plano's City House shelter.
The basketball great shot a few hoops with the children, many of whom have been impacted by abuse, neglect and homelessness, before opening up in a heartfelt motivational speech at the Christ United Methodist Church indoor basketball court.
Though the announcement that Lieberman is an Olympic gold medalist elicited a gasp from at least one impressed youngster, the conversation came back down to earth when Lieberman revealed her background was not too dissimilar from that of many of her audience members.
"You must love you for you," she said. "That's what you have. That's what you know. That's what's constant."
Lieberman also described her early athletic influences, including Hall of Fame boxer Mohammed Ali, an athlete whom she said "fueled her vision." She also found value in the kindness of the neighborhood basketball players she cut her teeth with in Harlem's Rucker Park, who would often accompany her on the 50-minute train ride home to ensure she arrived safely.
"They were closer to me than my brothers," she said. "We trusted each other. We have a common bond."
Lieberman said she could have been a casualty, but wound up living proof that one's dreams are within reach if they believe in themselves enough.
"I can make that shot," she said. "I can get that scholarship. I can get that job."
At the end of her speech, Lieberman emphasized the importance of being kind to others, using her appearance on that day as an example of the positive feelings such acts can elicit.
"It makes me feel good to be here today," she said, adding that she sometimes finds it hard to believe that "that kid from New York" wound up in a position to inspire others.
"I'm not blessing you. You're blessing me," she said. "... I know what judgment's like. You just have to be strong."
Amber Johnson, a 21-year-old participant in City House's young adult assistance program, said the similarities between her life and Lieberman's were close enough to give her chills.
"I can do what I want to do," she said, describing what she took away from the speech. "A lot of people said I couldn't go to college. Now I'm doing it."
Lieberman is no stranger to working with youngsters. For the better part of a decade, the Plano resident has ran youth basketball clinics throughout Collin County and regularly makes appearances as a motivational speaker.
Lora Farris, director of development for City House, said Lieberman's relatable background made her an ideal candidate to speak to the children.
"Nancy loves to do stuff around Christmastime and help out kids in need, and since she's from the Plano area, she was looking for a charity that helps kids ... and she contacted us," Farris said. "We thought it would be great for these kids to have a role model. It's not every day you get to meet someone like Nancy Lieberman, so we thought it would be a great opportunity for these kids."
Lieberman, a three-time All-American, was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1996 and the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame in 1999. She was also the first female to coach an all-male NBA team. She is currently the assistant general manager for the Texas Legends and an analyst for Fox Sports Southwest's Oklahoma City Thunder broadcasts.
City House has provided services to neglected, abused and homeless children and teens since 1987. Its emergency shelter, My Friend's House, provides beds for up to 24 children age 17 and younger. The organization also offers services and shelter to young adults transitioning into independent living.
For information on City House, visit www.cityhouse.org or call 972-423-1681.
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