Episode 29 – Garrett Boorojian and Nancy Lieberman discuss relationship building in a team environment.
“The Greatest Religion of All is Love and Kindness… that’s what Muhammad Ali taught me.” – Nancy Lieberman
“Great show. She is without doubt one of a kind. The best.” – Del Harris
Nancy talked about her love for basketball and the conversations she had with her former players when she was the Assistant Coach at the NBA’s Sacramento Kings, and as the current head coach at Power in the BIG3.
Nancy talked about how she grew up, as a woman playing youth basketball and baseball. She learned quickly that she was discriminated against because as a woman she couldn’t be insured playing youth sports.
She loved her time at the YMCA because the organization allowed her to play on youth sports’ teams with boys.
Nancy learned how to develop a thick skin playing in her neighborhood and at Rucker Park. The people she played with during her high school days named her “Fire” because of her “attitude.” Nancy played with a lot of passion and wasn’t afraid of any type of competition.
She was inducted into the Rucker Park Hall of Fame and felt it was an amazing honor. Nancy talked to Garrett about her very tough childhood. A bright spot early on was at Rucker Park, because decades later she loves that people still fondly remember and know her well as “Fire” and “Lady Magic.”
With a full scholarship, Nancy played on the Old Dominion University Women’s Basketball team. She competed in the Olympics and FIBA World Championship games.
Nancy had no father-figure in her life and sports were her positive outlets. She looked up to the legendary Muhammad Ali. Nancy wanted to become the Greatest Basketball Player of All time.
Nancy worked hard to overcome all obstacles of people saying Nancy couldn’t achieve what she set her mind to achieve. She succeeded valiantly.
December of 1979 – Ali talked to Nancy at The Plaza Hotel and taught her vital life’s lessons.
“God made you special.” – Ali said to Nancy
Nancy felt that she was “broken,” but Ali changed the course of her life.
Nancy would have access to Ali for 20 years in the latter stages of his life as his health declined from Parkinson’s disease.
“I’m a reflection of Muhammad Ali… that’s who I am.” – Nancy
In addition to the late Ali, Nancy talked humbly about her friendships with Cuttino Mobley, Carmelo Anthony, Larry Fitzgerald Jr., Walt “Clyde” Frazier, Ice Cube, Del Harris, and the late Kobe Bryant. She, George Raveling and John Calipari are a few of Del’s closest friends.
Nancy talked about how women are celebrated and appreciated for their roles in basketball and the continued growth and development of the global game.
Nancy discussed her awareness that women, and women of color, still need to be focused and prioritized so they’re able to advance to the next levels with the same career opportunities.
Nancy made a very hard decision to leave the Sacramento Kings in 2017 to take care of her mom who had been in poor health in recent years. Nancy shared with Garrett that she lost her mom four months prior to their interview.
At the time of her conversation with Garrett, Nancy Lieberman Charities have awarded over $8 million in scholarships. Nancy’s Dream Courts created at-risk youth venues to play on in their communities. Ninety high school seniors are attending HBCU schools. Over 5 million children get to enjoy 115 Dream Courts. Pfizer and Pepsi are global companies that support Nancy’s exceptional charity work.
Nancy talked to her good friend, Kobe, via text messaging two nights before he passed away and spoke with Kobe on the phone the night before he passed. She almost flew with Kobe on his helicopter the day it crashed in Calabasas, California.
Nancy talked about motherhood and her son TJ.