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First String
A Hibbett x Nike Program

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.

Hibbett and Nike Donate $50,000 to Duncanville High School Basketball


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.

https://cdn.media.amplience.net/i/hibbett/duncanville-hs-mens-basketball-player-receiving-new-shoes

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.

https://cdn.media.amplience.net/i/hibbett/duncanville-hs-womens-basketball-player-shooting-ball

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.

https://cdn.media.amplience.net/i/hibbett/duncanville-hs-basketball-teams-with-first-string-donation

“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.”

Wenonah High School Receives $50,000


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.

https://cdn.media.amplience.net/i/hibbett/wenonah-hs-womens-basketball-player-posing-mid-skill

During the event, the student-athletes were surprised with brand-new Nike basketball shoes and received a $50,000 donation from Hibbett and Nike to support their school's basketball programs.

Additionally, Hibbett COO Jared Briskin and Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin announced that in collaboration with Birmingham Promise, two Wenonah student athletes would each receive scholarships for higher education under the First String initiative.

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