Kobe Bryant left us too early. He accomplished what many didn't in his professional career, but the reality is that his life was much more than just about Basketball.
Bryant was a family man who cared for the future of not only his own or his family's, but genuinely anyone's who crossed paths with him. His 'Mamba Mentality' went beyond the court impacting many lives outside the basketball world.
Bryant's approach to women in sports was special. He ran into questions like 'are you aiming to bring a boy to carry on the legacy?' or 'how do you feel about having four daughters and no boys?' numerous times and his answers were always similar. He would always say that his daughters will carry on his name in whatever they do with their lives.
As you have read in the news, Gianna "Gigi" Bryant, one of Kobe's four daughters, who played basketball in his sports academy, Mamba Sports Academy, was one of the other eight victims of the helicopter crash. They were heading to Gigi's game.
Today, the USWNT will kick-off the Concacaf Women's Olympic Qualifiers and the players will are ready to show their 'Mamba Mentality' in the name of Kobe. Members and ex-players from the U.S. Women's National Team were deeply hurt by Bryant and Gigi's loss and expressed their thoughts to social media.
Sydney Leroux's Instagram post was something special. She addressed Gigi before Kobe since the two #2s had a close connection.
The USWNT account acknowledged all the support Bryant had for women's soccer, especially in the U.S.
Kobe always showed up for us. He was there before 2015. He continued to be there after 2019.
— U.S. Soccer WNT (@USWNT) January 26, 2020
We'll miss you and we'll miss Gigi. Rest In Peace, friend. We'll carry that Mamba Mentality forever. pic.twitter.com/SQQX4lss5W
The leader for the team, Carli Lloyd, mourned the death of Bryant, who was one of her idols.
Former goalkeeper Hope Solo also took her time to write a couple of tweets.
I'm still trying to accept that Kobe and Gigi are no longer with us. He and Vanessa supported our team at many events and games as Kobe was a huge soccer fan and he wanted to introduce his daughters to strong role models and show them the hard work it took to be at the top.
— Hope Solo (@hopesolo) January 27, 2020
Other players, ex-players, and coaches also had some words to share about the occurrence.
Prayers to your family. RIP, Kobe. pic.twitter.com/pECClU9fMy
— Mia Hamm (@MiaHamm) January 26, 2020
My heart is heavy with the news of Kobe Bryant. Prayers go out to his family right now through this unthinkable time.
— Alex Morgan (@alexmorgan13) January 26, 2020
I really can't believe this. My prayers go out to his family during this difficult time #KobeBryant
— Crystal Dunn Soubrier (@crysdunn_19) January 26, 2020
Heart going out to the Bryant family right now. . RIP @kobebryant
— Megan Rapinoe (@mPinoe) January 26, 2020
Wow.. I'm in disbelief. This is so sad. RIP Kobe
— Ali Krieger (@alikrieger) January 26, 2020