She would’ve been a freshmen in college this year!
Vanessa Bryant took to social media to share a heartfelt message and word of congratulations after UConn’s NCAA Women’s Basketball Championship win, US Weekly reports.
“Gigi would’ve loved being there with you,” wrote Bryant on her story.
“When you think you can’t, UConn,” she continued, quoting her late daughter Gianna.
Gianna “Gigi” Bryant passed away tragically at the age of 13 in January 2020 alongside her father, Kobe Bryant, and seven others. A rising star athlete, she was coached by her father on his youth AAU basketball team, Team Mamba. It was her dream to attend UConn.
“She is hellbent on UConn. Bro, she is hellbent on UConn,” Kobe once told NBA legend Reggie Miller of his daughter’s future plans.
After Gigi’s passing, the school honored her by draping a Huskies jersey with her No.2 over a chair on the bench. “Always a Husky,” the school captioned the post on social media.
As Vanessa Bryant celebrated the team’s 12th national title, tagging head coach Geno Auriemma, many across the sports world reflected on Gigi’s memory and what it would’ve been like to have her there.
“There have been times this whole weekend and throughout the whole tournament that I feel like God has really shown himself. My mom staying in Room 824, which is both of Kobe’s numbers and stuff like that. It’s just been a very blessed year. Win or lose, it’s been a very blessed year. But I feel like God’s presence has really been showing out. In little things, you just see his presence so palpable. Yes, Kobe’s watching over us. Gigi’s watching over us, said UConn star Paige Bueckers.
This year, Gigi might’ve been a freshman on UConn’s championship winning team. May her essence and the Mamba spirit continue to shine bright.
Cover photo: Vanessa Bryant Pays Tribute to Late Daughter Gigi After UConn NCAA Championship Win/Photo credit: Kobe Bryant/Instagram