Rest In Peace, Kobe Bryant

This afternoon, it was confirmed that husband, father, author, and legendary Laker Kobe Bryant lost his life in a helicopter crash along with eight other individuals, including Bryant’s daughter Gianna. The massive outpour of support and condolences since then continues, reflecting the impact that Kobe had not only on the NBA, but on the country and world as a whole. This is truly heartbreaking.

Kobe Bryant is such a special figure in my eyes because of his relentless mindset. His “Mamba Mentality” was the definition of determination and hard-work, and will live on through the millions who will replicate it forever. Kobe’s dedication to his craft led him to winning five NBA championship titles for the Los Angeles Lakers, and he is undoubtably in the conversation for the best basketball player of all time. What’s truly sad is that he only just retired, and his second act looked so promising. On and off of the court, Kobe matured into an honorable and respectable man worthy of all the praise in the world.

I’m shocked that he’s gone. Watching Kobe play basketball motivated me to play and to improve my game. While I don’t play much anymore, the “Mamba Mentality” that he built still goes into what I’m able to do every day in other aspects of life. Gone but never forgotten. Rest in peace Kobe Bryant, and all the other lives lost in this tragedy. Hold your loved ones close every day - tomorrow is never promised.