First String is a philanthropic initiative launched by Hibbett in partnership with Nike aimed at empowering the next generation of student-athletes.
Focused on supporting local high school boys and girls basketball programs, the program fosters athletic, academic, and career success, seeking to create opportunities for young people to thrive on and off the court.
Each year, First String donates funds to local basketball programs and selects one player from the boys and girls teams to receive scholarship assistance for their post-high school education. Scholarship recipients are also given access to internships and career development opportunities with Hibbett at their Birmingham corporate office, helping them explore passions beyond basketball and gain valuable career-building experience.
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.”
“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.
In May, Hibbett and Nike announced the inaugural First String Scholarship recipients, hailing from Duncanville High School in Texas and Wenonah High School in Birmingham, AL.
Coaches and administrators from each school nominated two well-deserving students—one from each boys' and girls' high school basketball program—to receive $5,000 per year for four years to put toward their education. In addition, recipients are eligible for an internship at the Hibbett corporate office after their sophomore or junior year.
Congrats Duncanville First String Honorees: Katelynn Price, Girls' Basketball and Ethan McKinney, Boys' Basketball.
Congrats Wenonah First String Honorees: Makyla Williams, Girls' Basketball and Isaiah Jackson, Boys' Basketball.
We’re excited to watch all four scholars grow throughout their collegiate journeys.
Thank you to everyone who helped bring the First String initiative to life—we’re proud to support the next generation of leaders.
Hibbett and Nike named Duncanville High School's boys and girls basketball teams the latest First String program honorees in a special team meeting held on December 18 at Duncanville High School.
The donation coincides with the recent launch of "The Origin," a new mini-series featuring Duncanville alumnus and Orlando Magic point guard, Anthony Black. "The Origin" showcases the stories of emerging sports and culture talent, showcasing the grit, support systems, and perseverance that drive their success. Black’s episode gives an intimate look into his journey from Duncanville High School to being a top 10 NBA Draft pick.
To celebrate this milestone, Hibbett and Nike hosted a special event at Duncanville High School. The event included a private screening of the first "The Origin" episode and a special message from Anthony himself, along with the surprise $50,000 donation and new LeBron Witness 8 basketball shoes for each player.
Beyond the financial contribution, the First String initiative provides valuable opportunities for student-athlete development. Two students, one from each team, will receive four-year scholarships and the chance to intern at the Hibbett corporate headquarters in Birmingham, Alabama.
“We are incredibly grateful to Hibbett, Nike, and Anthony Black for this generous and impactful donation to our boys and girls basketball programs,” said the Duncanville ISD Superintendent, Dr. T. Lamar Goree. “This partnership is a testament to the power of community support and the importance of investing in our student-athletes. The $50,000 donation and the scholarships and internship opportunities provided through the First String initiative will have a lasting impact on our students—both on the court and in their futures. Anthony’s journey from Duncanville to the NBA is an inspiration, and we are honored to have our school celebrated as a First String recipient. Together, we are creating opportunities for our students to dream big and reach their fullest potential.”
To celebrate the launch of Hibbett and Nike's new philanthropic initiative, Hibbett invited the Wenonah High School men's and women's basketball teams to a special shoot-around at the historic Boutwell Auditorium ahead of the October 18 University of Alabama and Wake Forest exhibition game.
Congrats Wenonah First String Honorees: Makyla Williams, Girls' Basketball and Isaiah Jackson, Boys' Basketball
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