Remembering Kobe Bryant: A Legacy in Women’s Basketball
Dearica Hamby treasures the moments when Kobe Bryant sat courtside at WNBA games, recalling how he frequently attended matches of her former team, the Las Vegas Aces.
“One of the first things he told me was that I could play defense,” Hamby reminisced with a smile. “I was like, ‘Wha-at?’ … That’s a compliment I’ll cherish forever.”
This sentiment embodies Bryant’s profound connection to women’s basketball. Following his illustrious 20-year NBA career, he dedicated himself to nurturing the next generation of female athletes, mentoring stars like WNBA champion and Olympic gold medalist Diana Taurasi and former Oregon standout Sabrina Ionescu.
Bryant’s approach included rigorous workouts, analysis of gameplay, and a constant push for female athletes to attain the same level of recognition as their male counterparts.
As a player now part of the Los Angeles Sparks, Hamby takes pride in the validation she received from Bryant, noting, “If Kobe tells you that you can play defense, you can play defense.”
A Reflection on Progress in Women’s Sports
On the anniversary of the tragic helicopter crash that claimed Bryant, his daughter Gianna, and seven others, many female basketball players have reflected on his immense influence. They believe he would be delighted with the remarkable strides made in women’s sports, particularly in basketball, which has seen an explosive growth in popularity and visibility in recent years.
The WNBA experienced its most-watched regular season in 24 years last year, alongside the highest attendance in over two decades. Moreover, many star players are now participating in Unrivaled, a new 3-on-3 league in South Florida founded by Olympic gold medalists Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart.
“We carry this on for him,” stated Satou Sabally, a forward with the Dallas Wings who competes for the Phantom squad in Unrivaled. “He would be so proud of this league and of ’Phe and Stewie. I know he’s looking down, hopefully smiling, and proud of us.”
The Impact of Kobe Bryant
Recalling the day of January 26, 2020, still brings a wave of emotion for Sabally. She fondly remembers her days at Oregon, where she and Ionescu bonded over their admiration for Bryant.
The shockwaves of Bryant’s death resonated across both the sports and entertainment worlds, with countless tributes shared on social media as disbelief took hold.
Kate Martin from the Golden State Valkyries vividly remembers the moment they heard the news, reflecting on the collective uncertainty surrounding it, claiming, “No one knew if it was fake news or real. It’s one of those moments you’ll never forget.”
Although Martin never met Bryant, she holds his relentless competitive spirit dear, appreciating how he uplifted women’s sports.
A Passion for Women’s Sports
Bryant was an active participant in his daughters’ basketball journeys, even coaching Gianna’s youth team. He frequently accompanied her to women’s games, especially those involving the UConn Huskies, as Gianna aspired to follow in her father’s footsteps on the court.
Despite past controversies, Bryant was committed to advocating for women’s sports, often countering skepticism about his involvement.
A particular image remains etched in the minds of many: Kobe and Gianna at a 2019 game, with him sporting an orange pullover adorned with a WNBA logo, while Gianna beamed beside him.
“Kobe sparked a movement; people began to recognize how special our talents are because of him,” noted former Chicago Sky head coach Teresa Weatherspoon, now coaching Vinyl BC in Unrivaled. “He brought visibility to women’s sports alongside his daughter.”
As his legacy continues to inspire, many women in sports echo the sentiment shared by Martin: “He’s greatly missed, but his legacy will endure forever.”
