“Mommy loves and misses you more than I could ever express,” Vanessa wrote to show love and pay tribute to her daughter Gianna. The young basketball talent would have been 19 years old if the tragic accident hadn’t claimed her and eight others’ lives, including the late Lakers legend, Kobe Bryant. The father-daughter duo and their shared Mamba Mentality are still felt by their loved ones and fans. On the day of Gianna’s 19th birthday, Vanessa prepared a special surprise for three young kids in hopes of extending her legacy.

Remembering her daughter, Vanessa wrote, “Happy birthday, Gigi! Mommy loves and misses you more than I could ever express. I love you, Gianna. ❤️19 ♉️ 5/1 #Mambacita.” If Gigi were here, she would have been all set for her college debut. She was determined to go to the UConn Huskies. The mother gave a shout-out to the team as they won the NCAA championship this year, ending a 9-year drought. “Gigi would’ve loved being there with you,” she wrote.

There are several talented kids who dream of going to college one day. In honor of her daughter, Vanessa started a new scholarship program. Just a few moments ago, Vanessa shared the video on her IG, which reveals the three girls (Michelle, Sherlyn and Ashley) and their heartwarming reaction to receiving the scholarship. Named the Gianna Bryant Scholarship Award, the aim is to help these talents achieve new feats and success.

“To our recipients, you are representatives of Gianna’s vision – to create a world where young people have every opportunity to follow their dreams regardless of gender or the pressures and expectations we receive from society.  Sending all our love to you and your bright futures ahead,” the caption read.

The Los Angeles Lakers legend, earlier in an interview, confirmed Gianna’s ardent wish to join the team. “She is hellbent on UConn,” Bryant once said. She had always been a big supporter of the Huskies. When the team lost once, Gianna even wrote a letter to uplift their spirits. ‘‘When you think you can’t, UCONN,” she wrote and Vanessa used the same quote to congratulate the Huskies star who shared that they felt the blessings of Bryant and Gigi throughout the tournament. The mother of four also prepared the sneaker tribute for her daughter.

Nike and Vanessa Bryant launched new edition to celebrate Gigi Bryant’s 19 th birthday 

Vanessa and Nike celebrate Gigi’s birthday with a new tribute through limited edition sneakers every year. This year, the brand is back with yet another iconic iteration of the Nike Kobe 9 Low EM Protro in the Mamba colorway. The shoes were launched on May 1 on Gigi’s birthday. 

This is the first version of the Nike Kobe 9 Low EM Protro in this color to be officially sold. The design has a black and white colorway. And it’s elevated with the Nike Swoosh logo, Kobe logo, and Gigi branding embellished in Metallic Gold. The interesting highlight of this new model is the Engineered Mesh upper. 

It has a breathable upper, and the drop-in React foam midsole offers responsive cushioning underfoot. This version won’t be available in family sizes. Vanessa also has gifted this new version to her and the brand’s friends. USC coach Lindsay, who received a pair, shared a glimpse of the sneakers on IG and thanked Vanessa. 

These sneakers not only celebrate Gigi’s legacy, but also inspire hope in young aspiring athletes and kids who have a competitive mindset and Mamba mentality just like Gigi.