Heartbroken ‘Mamba Girls’ still mourning loss of Gianna and Kobe Bryant
How Gianna Bryant's legacy lives on through the ‘Mamba Girls’
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Via Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
On January 26, 2020, the basketball world lost one of its greatest icons and one of its brightest stars. Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna Bryant were among the nine people who died in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California. They were on their way to a youth basketball game at the Mamba Sports Academy, where Gianna was following her father’s footsteps on the court.
Gianna, or “Gigi” as she was affectionately known, was only 13 years old, but she had already shown a remarkable talent and passion for basketball. She was a member of her father’s Mamba Sports Academy team, along with two of her close friends, Alyssa Altobelli and Payton Chester, who also perished in the crash. Kobe’s daughter had big dreams of playing for UConn and the WNBA someday.
Gianna was more than just a basketball player. She was a loving daughter, sister, and friend. She had a special bond with her father, who called her “Mambacita” after his own nickname “The Black Mamba”. They shared a love for the game and for each other that was evident to anyone who saw them.
Two years have passed since that fateful day, but Gianna’s memory is still alive and strong in the hearts of those who knew her and looked up to her. Her mother Vanessa Bryant has been keeping her spirit alive through various initiatives and events. She has launched a clothing line called Mambacita in honor of Gianna, with proceeds going to the Mamba and Mambacita Sports Foundation, a nonprofit organization that supports young girls and women in sports.
How Gianna’s legacy lives on through the ‘Mamba Girls’
Vanessa has been showing her love and support for the girls who played with Gianna on her basketball team. She has dubbed them “Mamba Girls” and has gifted them with custom-made sneakers, jewelry, and apparel featuring Gianna’s name and number. She has also attended their games and cheered them on.
One of the Mamba Girls is Alexis Peralta, who was Gianna’s best friend since kindergarten. Alexis told The Washington Post that she misses Gianna every day and that she tries to honor her by playing hard on the court. She said: “She taught me how to be confident in myself and how to never give up.”
Another Mamba Girl is Jada Williams, who met Gianna at a basketball camp in 2019. Jada said that Gianna inspired her with her work ethic and her kindness. She said: “She was always pushing me to be better. She was always there for me.”
The Mamba Girls are not alone in their grief and their gratitude for Gianna. Thousands of young girls around the world have been inspired by her spirit and her skills. They have posted videos of themselves playing basketball with the hashtag #PlayGigisWay, showing how they are carrying on her legacy.
Gianna Bryant may have left this world too soon, but she will never be forgotten by those who loved her and those who aspire to be like her. She was a Mamba Girl who made an impact on many lives. As her father once said: “She’s got it.”
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Ankush Singh
(616 Articles Published)