Gianna Bryant’s Middle School Retires Her Jersey Number
Her #2 jersey will be framed in the school’s gymnasium “to commemorate her athleticism and caring spirit.”
Gianna “Gigi” Bryant’s middle school retired her basketball jersey number during a heartfelt ceremony.
Harbor Day School in Corona Del Mar, California held a ceremony on Wednesday honoring the 13-year-old, who died along with her father, Kobe Bryant, in a helicopter crash on Jan. 26. The crash killed seven others.
“Gianna was a warrior who gave 110% every time she stopped on the court,” basketball coach Joshua Parks said at the ceremony. “She had the Mamba mentality. No matter who we were playing, she was gonna force her will and help us find a way to win.”
Gigi was known to be her father’s basketball protégé, with a promising future in the sport. Her #2 basketball jersey will now be framed in the school’s gymnasium “to commemorate her athleticism and caring spirit,” her coach said at the ceremony, while fighting back tears. Kobe’s wife Vanessa Bryant posted much of the ceremony on her Instagram.
“My Gigi. I love you! I miss you. You’ve taught us all that no act of kindness is ever too small. Mommy is still and will ALWAYS be so proud of you mamacita,” Vanessa wrote in a caption.