NORFOLK, VA. (May 5) - Nancy Lieberman-Cline, a three-time kodak All-American andtwo-time Wade Trophy winner who led theOld Dominion University women's basketball program to back-to-back national titles in 1979 and 1980, will return toher alma mater Saturday, May 6 to walk in the graduationceremonies as a member of the class of 2000 at 9:30 a.m.at Foreman Field.
Lieberman-Cline, the general manager and head coach of theWNBA's Detroit Shock, completed the requirements this springfor a degree in interdisciplinary studies.
"This might be one of the most exciting moments of my life.As an athlete you accomplish certain things, and as a business person youaccomplish things, but there was onevoid in my life and that was not having my degree," saidLieberman-Cline, who is a member of both the NaismithBasketball and Women's Basketball Hall of Fame. "I am excited about having theopportunity to walk in the graduation ceremonies."
Lieberman-Cline's impact on the women's basketball programat Old Dominion is still felt today. A native of Far Rockaway, NY., she was ahighly recruited high school starwho earned a silver medal in 1976 as the youngest member ofthe US Olympic team. She led the Lady Monarchs to two straight AIAW nationaltitles, and still holds the Universityrecord in career assists. She is the only two-time winnerof the Wade Trophy, presented annually to the nation's topwomen's basketball player, and was also awarded the Broderick Cup, as the topfemale athlete in all women'scollegiate sports in 1980.
"Nancy's commitment to playing professional basketball andher sports business goals were a high priority after herfour sseasons at Old Dominion, "Said athletic director JimJarrett. "Her estremely busy schedule prevented her from finishing with herclassmates, but she has always valued hereducation and wanted to complete her degree. With her national visibility, thiswill only enhance Nancy's abilityto promote the importance of education for athletes."
Lieberman-Cline was drafted by the Dallas diamonds of theWomen's Basketball League in 1980 and became the personaltrainer for tennis star Martina Navratilova in 1981. Sheresumed her playing career in 1986 when she became thefirst women ever to play in a men's professional league as a member of theSpringfield, Mass., sqsuad of the United States Basketball League. The followingyear she joined the Washington Generals, the long time opponent of the HarlemGlobetrotters. In 1991, wh completed her first book, "Lady Magic: The NancyLieberman-Cline Story" and later co-authored a second book, "Basketball forWomen", with ESPN/ABC commentator Robin Roberts.
For the last 17 years, Lieberman-Cline has also worked inbroadcasting, covering such events as the 1988 and 1992 Olympic Games, NCAAFinal Fours, and has served as coloranalyst for numerous women's basketball games.
"I speak to so many children each year about education andI wanted those young people to know how important it is tohave your degree. We can't all be olympians and All-Americans, but everyone hasthe opportunity to complete their education," Lieberman-Cline said. "I wanted myson tobe able to say that his mother graduated from college , andnow he can."
Nancy and her husband Tim, a former player with the Washington Generals and theContinental Basketball Association, live in Detroit with the 5-year old son,T.J.