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Hibbett x Nike Host Ballin in Boutwell Game

Oct 22, 2025

First String, the philanthropic initiative of Hibbett in partnership with Nike, hosted the second First String event in Boutwell Auditorium to celebrate Huffman High School’s boys and girls basketball programs with a $50,000 donation and additional support for student-athletes.

Mayor Randall Woodfin, Samantha Williams, Birmingham Promise Executive Director and the Huffman basketball teams joined representatives from Hibbett and Nike to recognize the school’s athletes and highlight the impact of the First String program, which launched one year ago. Huffman’s basketball program received new Ja 3 and A’ja Wilson's AOne shoes, a Nike duffle bag, $15,000 in gift cards Hibbett gift cards to outfit the teams, alongside the program’s financial contribution.

“First String is about more than basketball, it’s about helping young people build confidence, community and opportunities,” said Robby Bullington, Hibbett VP, Store Operations. “ We’re proud to invest in Birmingham City Schools and specifically the Huffman student-athletes and their future success.”

Hibbett, in partnership with @Nike, is proud to continue our First String initiative. This philanthropic program is dedicated to empowering the next generation of student-athletes.

This year, we presented a $50,000 donation to the Huffman High School boys and girls basketball teams during the Nike x Hibbett Ballin’ in Boutwell event.

We’re proud to support the Vikings in their continued growth and success.

As part of First String’s initiatives, one student from each team will receive a four-year scholarship and gain access to mentorship and career development opportunities with Hibbett in Birmingham. Hibbett and Nike understand that true success goes beyond the court.

“Seeing the surprise and excitement on the players faces during the First String event speaks to the magnitude the shoes, duffle bags, gift cards, scholarship opportunity and donation have on the Huffman High School basketball program and these young student’s lives and the future opportunities it can provide,” said Mayor Randall Woodfin. “Now two Birmingham City Schools have benefited from First String’s initiatives and shows Hibbett and Nike’s commitment to the future success of these players on and off the court. The partnership between First String and Birmingham Promise to help provide students with scholarship funding to continue their post-high school education and help with future career opportunities continues to impact the Birmingham community.”

childrens-hospital-ua-meet-and-greet
childrens-hospital-ua-meet-and-greet
childrens-hospital-ua-meet-and-greet
A man in a suit jacket is speaking at a podium on a basketball court in a large arena. Behind him is a tall black backdrop featuring the HIBBETT logo and Nike swoosh repeated across it.
A male basketball player in a green uniform is dribbling a ball on a wooden court in an arena, with a crowd of people and camera crew visible in the background.
A group of high school basketball players in green jerseys are sitting in arena seating, examining brightly colored Nike basketball shoes in their hands.
A group photo of the Huffman High School Girls Basketball team and their coaches, standing on the court in matching green tracksuits while holding basketballs.
childrens-hospital-ua-meet-and-greet
childrens-hospital-ua-meet-and-greet
childrens-hospital-ua-meet-and-greet
A man in a suit jacket is speaking at a podium on a basketball court in a large arena. Behind him is a tall black backdrop featuring the HIBBETT logo and Nike swoosh repeated across it.
A male basketball player in a green uniform is dribbling a ball on a wooden court in an arena, with a crowd of people and camera crew visible in the background.
A group of high school basketball players in green jerseys are sitting in arena seating, examining brightly colored Nike basketball shoes in their hands.
A group photo of the Huffman High School Girls Basketball team and their coaches, standing on the court in matching green tracksuits while holding basketballs.

“This investment from First String, Hibbett, and Nike means the world to our students,” said Dr. Lyons, Principal of Huffman High School. “Our athletes work hard every day, on the court and in the classroom and this kind of support reminds them that their community believes in their potential. It’s an incredible boost of motivation and pride for our entire school.”

The First String event took place during the 2025 Ballin in Boutwell event that features four in-state basketball programs over four games in the historic Boutwell Auditorium October 13-16, 2025.

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