Custom Gianna Kobe’s make an appearance at WNBA Media Day

As players take the court again, Kobe and Gianna Bryant’s legacies remain.

Just five days from now, the WNBA will be the latest professional sports league to resume amid the coronavirus pandemic. At the annual media day, we got a first look at the player’s sneakers, jerseys, and everything in between.

Chicago Sky forward Gabby Williams used her sneakers to pay tribute to Gianna and Kobe Bryant, with a custom pair of the Mamba Focus featuring Gianna’s portrait.

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Tributes poured in for the Bryants in the days, weeks and months following the tragic helicopter crash that rattled the world back in January. Gianna’s legacy has lived on through these tributes, including Williams’ with Bryant in her Mamba Academy jersey.

Bryant herself had dreams of becoming a WNBA star, looking to grow the sport alongside her father, a strong supporter of the women’s game himself.

Gabby Williams’ close relationship with Gianna is embodied on her sneakers.

Williams discussed Kobe’s impact back in January, writing to the Chicago Tribune, “To have someone of his caliber show that much love and appreciation to the girls and to the league, it made us all feel amazing. Like superheroes almost.”

Williams also spoke about Gianna, as she reflected on the first time they met in 2017. Williams was a player at the University of Connecticut, Gianna’s dream school, and Kobe even said that his daughter modeled herself after Williams.

"“I’ve never seen a kid at that age so determined to learn and be a student of the game … And Gigi in particular, man, she was mean and just had that Mamba mentality we know and love.”"

Back then, Williams said she would honor Gianna in some way this season, but didn’t yet know how. Now, she seems to have found her way.