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Special to The Times
Birmingham-based Hibbett and Nike on Tuesday awarded $50,000 to Woodlawn High School’s boys and girls basketball programs through First String, their philanthropic program supporting high school student-athletes on and off the court. The surprise investment was announced at Birmingham’s historic Boutwell Auditorium as Hibbett and Nike marked the third year of First String and extended the community impact of Ballin’ in Boutwell.
Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin joined Hibbett leadership, Woodlawn High School administrators and student-athletes and Birmingham Promise representatives for the presentation. The $50,000 award will support program needs including equipment, team travel, uniforms, court improvements and other expenses.
“A huge thank you to the entire Hibbett team, the Nike team and the Knight Eady team for putting on such a special Ballin’ in Boutwell event for the last three years,” said Mayor Woodfin. “Well that’s cool. And we get to expose the community to this historic venue. Our favorite part is this time and this investment and this opportunity to kick it with young people. What Hibbett and Nike are doing is extremely important. So thank you for being a good community partner. Thank you for continuing to invest in our youth.”
Woodlawn players practice on historic Boutwell basketball court. (Hibbett, Provided)What First String Means
“Hibbett has called Birmingham home for more than 80 years, so investing in young people here is personal,” said Sarah Wangaard, SVP, Hibbett. “First String is about giving student-athletes more than a moment. We’re putting meaningful resources behind their teams today and inspiring what’s possible for tomorrow. Connecting Woodlawn with Ballin’ in Boutwell shows these young athletes where basketball, education and opportunity can take them next.”
The investment goes beyond team funding. Woodlawn’s boys and girls basketball players took to the Boutwell court for a special shootaround and received Nike KD 19 basketball shoes, Nike/First String duffel bags and gear before returning that evening as invited guests for Ballin’ in Boutwell, presented by Nike and Hibbett. One player from each team will also be selected for post-high school scholarship assistance and career-development opportunities with Hibbett.
Woodlawn Athletes open new Nike KD 19 basketball shoes. (Hibbett, Provided)First String Enters Its Third Year
Hibbett and Nike launched First String in 2024 to support boys and girls high school basketball programs in communities Hibbett serves, combining team funding with scholarship assistance and career-development opportunities. Birmingham’s Wenonah High School was among its inaugural recipients.
Connecting First String and Ballin’ in Boutwell
The Woodlawn presentation connects two Birmingham initiatives now in their third year. Ballin’ in Boutwell brings college basketball to historic Boutwell Auditorium while supporting Birmingham Promise, which helps Birmingham City Schools graduates pursue college and gain paid work experience. More than $20,000 has been donated to Birmingham Promise since the event launched in 2024.
For Woodlawn student-athletes, the experience brought those investments together: team funding, Nike gear, time on the Boutwell court, exposure to college basketball and access to future scholarship and career opportunities.
A Woodlawn basketball player takes a break after playing at Boutwell Auditorium. (Hibbett, Provided)About First String
First String is a philanthropic program launched by Hibbett and Nike in 2024 to support boys and girls high school basketball programs and foster athletic, academic and career success. The program provides team funding and offers select student-athletes post-high school scholarship assistance and career-development opportunities.
