BY KIRANDEEP SINGH / DAGLIGTALE STAFF WRITER

On January 26, 2020, basketball legend Kobe Bryant lost his life in a helicopter crush, along with eight other victims including his daughter. Although he had fans and rivals, people have come to respect his dedication and drive for the sport.

Bryant joined the NBA straight out of high school and has become a prominent figure in the world of basketball. Although the women’s sports teams do not usually get the same attention as the men’s leagues, Bryant was a strong advocate on court and off court. With his retirement, he became a top ambassador for the women’s league. He encouraged his daughters to pursue their passion for sports and continued to dedicate his life in sticking for women’s basketball.

Students at Augustana expressed their grief and disbelief at the news of Bryant’s passing. Many were in awe of his passion and work ethic. “He was inspiring,” a student commented. “It makes me want to put in everything and keeping on fighting, even though it can get hard at times.” Even some students who were unfamiliar with Bryant were shocked by his death. “You just wouldn’t expect this to happen to someone like him. It just reminds us to hold onto our loved ones and be thankful for the moment we have.”
Even though Bryant’s passing was tragic along with the other victims who lost their lives, his legacy will forever remain on, inspiring us to put in hard work and chase our goals.

(Originally Published February 5, 2020)