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Barrier Basher Nancy Lieberman is one of the world’s most accomplished athletes ever. Her greatest achievement has nothing to do with sports, though. by: David Cooper in Post Magazine

She’s a basketball Hall of Famer, her game born on Harlem’s rough-and-tumble streets. She’s also an accomplished businesswoman, coach, broadcaster, writer, and motivational speaker. She’s got a major award named after her. Along the way she’s been known to shatter a barrier or two. She’s the youngest basketball player in Olympic history to win a medal, the first female to play professionally in a men’s league, the first to play on a world tour against the Harlem Globetrotters. Sure, she’s a 5-foot-10 icon to athletes around the world but amidst all the awards and accolades, Nancy Lieberman’s greatest achievement is simply being a mom.

Used to be you’d get something for being the best female basketball player on the planet. Nowadays it means Lieberman gets to keep her son T.J. away from Charles Barkley. One of the perks for T.J., who mom says is a “basketball fool – absolutely devours it,” is getting counsel from legends like Barkley, who pulled him aside during a recent Suns playoff game to ask about his grades.

“I have a B plus,” said the 12-year-old, a Dallas Mavericks fan, assuring Barkley that he’s doing his homework and staying away from drugs.

“Good boy,” Barkley said. “After the game we can go out for a beer.” This is what happens when your mom is a basketball legend and her buddy is Sir Charles.

“I told him to leave my kid alone,” said Lieberman, laughing at the notion of Barkley’s not-so-subtle babysitting skills. “But that’s Charles. He’s the most generous person – has a heart of gold.”

And after a playing career of punishing defenders, that’s just what she wants – warm-hearted, passionate friends – folks with big dreams. Flip through Lieberman’s cell phone and you’ll come across the A to Z’s of the biggest names in sports and business. Near Barkley’s digits is tennis champion Martina Navratilova, Las Vegas tycoon Steve Wynn (a friend of 20 years, whom she says is a “great role model”) and, of course, Michael Jordan. She met Jordan when he was starring for the University of North Carolina, and she was playing professionally around the country.

“Scary part is that I used to buy him meals seems sacrilegious right now.” It’s not the last of her ironic friendships. In the “S” section you’ll find an unlikely guy – Deion Sanders, the brash former NFL star who won back-to-back Super Bowls with the Cowboys and 49ers. True, Felix had Oscar, Snoopy had Woodstock, and Michael had Scottie. But Nancy has Deion?

“We met playing basketball. I hit him with an elbow. He said, ‘I need a sister like that.’ I’m just his evil twin.” It was Sanders who convinced her to return to coaching in 2004, just in time to win a championship with the NWBL’s Dallas Fury. “But our passion is children.”

Naturally, that passion has carried over into her efforts to influence the next generation of players. Lieberman has been instructing kids of all ages on the brass tacks of fundamental basketball for 23 years, teaching them confidence, self-esteem and decision-making through her popular camps. In September, she will host a camp at Mesa’s Mountain View High School.

“We’re dealing with a family’s most valuable possession – its kids. As a parent, I understand that.” Through basketball, Lieberman has inspired others to propel her goal of continuing Billie Jean King’s dream of opportunity.

“She put it on the line. I had no idea. To me it was entertainment. For her it was life and an opportunity for building.” Michelle Wie’s quest to become the first woman to qualify for the U.S. Open is keeping debate about men versus women buzzing. Lieberman’s goal couldn’t be more prescient. As the first woman to compete in a men’s professional league in 1986 with the USBL’s Springfield Fame, she’s naturally supportive of Wie’s effort.

“Playing against men made be better, stretched me, taught me not to be comfortable. I’m glad I have a women’s league, but why shouldn’t I measure myself against the best and make myself better? I’m 100 percent behind what she’s doing.”

Likewise, Lieberman gives 100 percent of herself to everything she’s committed to – all in a day’s work for this multitasking mom. When not covering pro and college games, she writes columns for websites and newspapers, gives speeches for Fortune 500 companies, colleges and universities and Rotary Clubs, prepares for her camps in three different cities, works on behalf of the Women’s Sports Foundation and other charitable organizations, and films “Better Basketball” videos with NBA stars such as Chauncey Billups and Jason Kidd.

“We are trying to give young players the right instruction – angles, how to attack, mentality on the court, playing defense I’m very proud of the work we did. They’re going to be unbelievable.” She’s also authored several books including the autobiography, Lady Magic.

When the sun sets in the desert sky, Lieberman most enjoys spending time with T.J. She travels from her home in Dallas to Phoenix a few times a month, where she resides in the eclectic Orpheum lofts. “The building has everything – rich history, art deco. It’s footsteps from the arena, the ball park, the theater.” Phoenix provides more than just business opportunities. “It’s one of the most romantic cities mountains, scenery, energy. I’m an Arizona taxpayer.” If she’s not at the Salt Cellar, you can find her unwinding with friends at Zen 32 or shopping at Scottsdale Fashion Square or playing golf at favorite courses such as Desert Mountain and Grayhawk. Her love affair with the Valley dates back to 1997 when the WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury signed her to what would be her final contract. Granted, it was a long way from Queens, New York, where it all began, but when the journey ended in Phoenix it was just as fulfilling.

“I’m so in love with this city because of the opportunity it gave me. I was the oldest player in the league at 38 and to represent the city meant a lot to me. I knew I’d be coming back, knew I’d have a home here, knew I’d influence children through my camps.”

Life is indeed getting sweeter with age for Nancy Lieberman. Her zest for improving the quality of life for others around her, particularly young people, is something to cherish and emulate. And sure, she's a basketball treasure, but her human spirit may very well be her greatest gift to all of those whom she helps, and, of course, to her son T.J. With such a selfless and nurturing spirit, the hard-nosed basketball player is really just a kind-hearted person, whose greatest achievement, wouldn't you know... is simply being a mom.

Check out Nancy’s camps in Phoenix.

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