I didn’t know Kobe.
I am not a Laker’s Fan.
I didn’t follow his career stat by stat.
However, for the past 2 days, I kept asking myself why the death of someone I didn’t know is hitting me so hard. From the moment I picked up a basketball, I knew the “athlete” Kobe Bryant and knew that he was one of the greatest to play the sport. However, over time, he grew to be more than an athlete; he was a father, husband, mentor, and he was a pivotal force in the success and growth of Women’s Basketball.
When I heard the news that Kobe Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna passed away, my heart shattered. She was destined for greatness just like her father. She was destined to play basketball at UConn, the most successful women’s basketball program in the nation. He would talk so fondly of her to his friends and in interviews, praising her advanced skills and talent. Learning more and more information about the relationship Kobe Bryant had with his daughter Gianna, truly hit home.
Growing up, basketball consumed my life. It was my passion and was what I dedicated all my time to. I came from a sports family where my late grandfather played college basketball at Southern Mississipi and where my Uncle played college basketball at Salisbury University. Although I grew up with 2 brothers who participated in sports, I was never unnoticed. My grandfather would pick me up from my late training sessions even though he did not like driving in the dark. He would bring up the Women’s Uconn team and express his fascination with their hard work and talent. My father would take me to all my AAU tournaments no matter the distance or time. He would record my high school games and we would sit and dissect each play for hours, discussing on ways I could improve. Even though the basketball world is male-dominated, the men in my life never allowed me to feel like Women’s basketball was not important. They wanted to me to thrive in the sport I love the most. Having so many paternal figures that believed in me as an athlete, makes me so grateful and appreciative. I want to thank them for dedicating all their time, investment, motivation, and belief in me.
And to Kobe, I want to thank you. Thank you for setting the precedent on what the relationship between a father and daughter (in sports) should be. Thank you for believing in Women’s Basketball. Thank you for dedicating so much time and effort into building Women’s Basketball from grassroots programs to elite programs. Thank you for creating a program that focuses on young athletes, allowing them to not only grow as an athlete but as an individual. Thank you for your everlasting impact on the Basketball World. Your legacy will live on forever. Thank you.