The holiday season is a time to reflect, give back, and build community, and the New York Liberty and Nyara Sabally are embracing the spirit of giving to spread holiday cheer. For the reigning WNBA champions, community engagement is a core mission, and this year’s “Season of Giving” campaign has demonstrated their commitment to supporting those in need across New York.
Teaching the Game
On December 14, Sabally and the Liberty hosted a free basketball clinic for 500 kids aged 8-16 in lower Manhattan. Reflecting on her own experiences growing up in Berlin, Sabally emphasized the importance of making sports accessible to all:
> “Free clinics were what we went to all the time because some parents couldn’t afford them. The fact that these are free takes the stress off parents and gives kids opportunities. It’s amazing to see so many kids here, enjoying this experience no matter their background.”
Sabally and her fellow coaches guided the kids through drills and activities, teaching new skills while keeping the atmosphere fun and engaging. Despite her coaching experience at Sacramento State University, this was her first time working with such a young age group. By the end of the day, every participant left with improved basketball skills—and an early Christmas gift.
Bonding Through Perseverance
On December 18, Sabally visited the Hospital for Special Surgery’s Lerner Children’s Pavilion, meeting children recovering from surgeries. As someone who has battled injuries and undergone surgery at HSS herself, this visit held special meaning for Sabally. She shared messages of perseverance and hope, drawing from her own journey:
> “I’ve had so many injuries, but they’ve shaped who I am. It’s not easy to look beyond the setbacks, but perseverance has made me stronger. Being here, sharing tips, and connecting with these kids means so much.”
Sabally’s resilience and ability to inspire others resonated with the children and their families, demonstrating the power of support and determination during challenging times.
A Season of Reflection
Sabally, a fan favorite since joining the Liberty in 2023, reflected on the importance of a strong support system:
> “I’ve always been fortunate to have teams that believe in me. That support grows your confidence and makes you want to give your all. It’s a two-way street, and I feel that deeply with New York.”
Liberty fans returned that love in kind, especially after Sabally’s heroic performance in Game 5 of the WNBA Finals, securing New York’s first championship in decades.
What’s Next for Nyara Sabally?
As the Liberty prepare for the 2025 season, changes are already underway, including the departure of Kayla Thornton. Sabally paid tribute to her teammate and friend:
> “KT was like a sister to me. She’ll be missed on and off the court. But I’m excited for her new opportunity—it shows how much the league is growing. Any team would be lucky to have her.”
Offseason decisions have also been on Sabally’s plate. After spending last offseason playing in Prague, she announced her plans to join Fenerbahçe, one of Europe’s top teams. Playing alongside legends like Breanna Stewart, Satou Sabally, and Candace Parker, Sabally hopes to refine her game further and bring those skills back to New York.
A Memorable Year
Sabally’s offseason has been packed with events in the New York/New Jersey area, family visits to Germany, appearances on Germany’s top sports show, and even attending Brooklyn Nets games. The Liberty’s historic championship season has brought joy to fans and helped elevate the WNBA’s profile, both locally and nationally.
Through their Season of Giving campaign, Nyara Sabally and the Liberty have not only celebrated their championship season but also created lasting memories for fans across New York. With their continued focus on community and excellence, the future looks bright for the Liberty and their devoted supporters.
