To many, the 84-foot by 50-foot basketball court with its glistening new goals at Pool Park in West Southern Pines might seem like just another piece of playground equipment. But for those who made it a reality, it represents far more—it’s a Dream Court.
On Tuesday, a ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the official unveiling of this state-of-the-art facility, a project led by Nancy Lieberman Charities, the Boys & Girls Club of the Sandhills, and the Town of Southern Pines. This is the 132nd court built by Lieberman’s foundation across the country, and the first of its kind in Southern Pines. The ceremony drew dignitaries, community leaders, and youth from all over the area to celebrate the creation of a safe, accessible space for future generations to grow, learn, and play.
Nancy Lieberman, a Basketball Hall of Famer, philanthropist, and pioneer for women in sports, was on hand to share her inspiration behind the Dream Court initiative. “It’s a dream court because my dream was to be on a court and between the lines,” Lieberman said, reflecting on how the game of basketball was a place of refuge during her own challenging childhood.
This court is more than just a place to play; it’s a lasting investment in the community. With a price tag of $70,000, the new basketball court is designed to stand the test of time, providing over 40 years of use for the youth of Moore County. Upkeep will be handled by the Town of Southern Pines, with additional lighting provided to ensure the court can be used after dark.
During the ribbon-cutting, Lieberman expressed her gratitude for the partners that helped bring the court to life. She particularly honored Robbie Callaway, whose leadership and support were instrumental in the court’s creation. Callaway, a Carthage resident with deep ties to Moore County and a long history of supporting the Boys & Girls Club on a national level, was recognized for his dedication to helping children and his tireless work in securing over $1 billion in funding for the Club.
“Robbie Callaway is an incredible human being, and has helped so many people in his time around the country, and in Washington D.C. He’s done so much. He’s a superhero,” Lieberman said. The court was named in Callaway’s honor as a tribute to his lifelong efforts in supporting youth and his role in growing the Boys & Girls Club across the nation.
In addition to Lieberman and Callaway, Steve Kastner, CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of the Sandhills, and Lorraine Orr, Chief Operations Officer for the Boys & Girls Club of America, spoke at the event. Kastner emphasized the impact that the Boys & Girls Club has had in the region over the past 26 years, having served over 12,000 kids, many of whom are now growing up with access to this incredible new facility.
Lieberman’s path to philanthropy was deeply influenced by her own experiences growing up in New York, where she faced many hardships. She credits a chance meeting with Muhammad Ali, who served as a mentor to her, as a pivotal moment that set her on the path of giving back. “I am a direct reflection of what this man taught me,” Lieberman said, referring to Ali’s influence on her life and mission.
Before the event concluded, Lieberman challenged the kids in attendance: “This is your court. You have to protect your house. You can’t let people write on it, spray paint it, or mess it up. If you want to ball out here, then this is your court.”
The new court at Pool Park represents more than just a place to play basketball. It’s a legacy of love, support, and community, a symbol of what’s possible when we come together to invest in the future of our youth. Lieberman’s Dream Court will inspire countless kids in Southern Pines for years to come, and it’s a reminder to all of us that every investment made in the next generation is a step toward a brighter, better tomorrow.
As Mitch Capel, a longtime Southern Pines resident, reflected on the transformation of Pool Park, he reminded the crowd of the lasting impact that such spaces can have. “A lot of good basketball players have come out of here,” Capel said, “Hopefully, some of these kids here with this court, with the tools they have, will become great basketball players and continue to make Southern Pines and the area of Moore County proud of them.”
With the Dream Court now officially open, we look forward to seeing the next generation of leaders, athletes, and community champions who will be shaped by this incredible gift.
