In Memory of Kobe and Gianna Bryant

Nataly Leiva, Staff Writer|Feb 3, 2020

The tragic losses of Kobe and Gianna Bryant has dispersed ripples of sorrow around the world, with fans mourning the deaths of two of the world’s brightest stars.

On the morning of Jan. 26, a helicopter on its way to the Mamba Academy, basketball legend Kobe Bryant’s sports training facility, carrying Bryant, his 13-year old daughter Gianna Bryant and seven others, crashed resuling in the death of everyone onboard. It was later confirmed that the helicopter crashed on the Santa Monica Mountains, but the cause of the crash still remains unknown.

While the world watched him become a legend in the game of basketball and dominate the basketball court, Bryant was one of the hardest workers when it came to achieving his goals and reaching them to their full potential. He became the inspiration that many looked up to, demonstrating the respect and integrity a real athlete should have. Aside from being an influential basketball player, he was also an extraordinary father, husband, friend, and human being.

Bryant never hesitated when it came to showing youth the impact that hard work and dedication can have in one’s life, making his death one that shocked millions around the world and shattered the heart of his fans, friends, and family.

Anthony Russo
Since the beginning of his triumphant career, Kobe played for the Los Angeles Lakers in the National Basketball Association, where he played with players such as number 16, Pau Gasol, from 2008-2014.

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Since I first started playing basketball, Kobe inspired me to look towards women’s basketball because of the way he constantly supported his daughter and was the coach of her team. The fact that he opened a gym for kids and made sure that his daughter never felt insecure about basketball is very uplifting.

— Marta Rodriguez

“He was an amazing player and athlete. He showed respect and integrity. Seeing him go like that just saddened me. As a basketball player, I picked number 24 just because of how much I looked up to him, not only as an athlete, but as an individual,” sophomore Isiah Middleton said.

Bryant was the role-model of countless kids, women, and men. Many looked up to him because of his determination and skill. In addition to his never-ending grind, Bryant was the father of four daughters and was a big advocate for women’s basketball. After retiring from the Lakers in 2016, Bryant created and coached his daughter’s basketball team, while also winning an Oscar for a short-film about his passion for basketball titled ‘Dear, Basketball’.

Even outside of the basketball world, Bryant was an inspirational individual who accomplished anything he put his mind to. He was a respectable athlete, leader, parent and person. His legacy will live on and ‘The Black Mamba’ will be forever remembered as a legend on the court and in the hearts of fans all over the world.