Five years ago today, Jan. 26, 2020, NBA icon Kobe Bryant, his 13-year-old daughter Gianna, and seven others were killed when a helicopter crashed into the side of a mountain in Calabasas, California. Bryant’s legacy and influence continue to be felt across the sports and entertainment world, with a wave of tributes pouring in online to commemorate his achievements on and off the court.
Many women’s basketball players have reflected on what Bryant meant to their game, and how he championed it. His support for the WNBA was evident, with many of the league’s stars citing his influence on their careers. WNBA players such as Dearica Hamby and Satou Sabally have spoken about the impact Bryant had on their games, recalling his guidance and encouragement.
Bryant was heavily involved in his daughters’ hooping journeys, coaching Gianna’s youth team and attending women’s basketball games, often with her. Gianna was set to follow in her father’s footsteps, with a plan to attend the University of Connecticut and eventually play in the WNBA.
Bryan’s legacy in women’s sports has only grown in the years since his passing, with a notable increase in popularity and viewership of the WNBA. New leagues, such as the 3-on-3 Unrivaled league founded by Olympic gold medalists Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier, have also emerged.
As the world remembers Bryant’s legacy, players and coaches continue to reiterate his importance to women’s sports. “He was really a person that saw us women as the talents we are. He came to the games, he was so outspoken and he was really supportive,” said Sabally. “I think he would be so proud of this league. He would be proud of Phe and Stewie.”
