Vanessa Bryant Celebrates UConn Title: ‘Gigi Would’ve Loved Being There’
Published on April 7, 2025 at 7:03 AM PDT
UConn has once again claimed the national championship title, and one person who couldn’t be prouder is Vanessa Bryant. Vanessa took to her Instagram to congratulate Geno Auriemma and the UConn women’s basketball team after their impressive victory over South Carolina with a score of 82-59 in Tampa. She expressed that her daughter, Gianna, would have been overjoyed to witness the team’s success, as she had a deep admiration for the Huskies.
In her post, Vanessa shared a heartfelt message, stating that Gigi would have loved to be there to witness the victory. She included a quote from Gianna that read, “When you think you can’t, UCONN.” The emotional post was accompanied by two emojis – a broken heart and a full heart.
It’s no secret that UConn held a special place in Gianna’s heart, with many believing that she would have followed in her father Kobe’s footsteps and attended the university. Tragically, the 2020 helicopter crash took the lives of Gianna and Kobe, cutting short her dreams of playing for the Huskies. After her passing, UConn honored her memory by leaving a customized No. 2 jersey on one of their bench chairs, with the caption “Mambacita is forever a Husky.”
The Huskies’ latest championship victory marks their 12th title overall, and their first in the past nine years. The legacy of Gianna Bryant lives on within the UConn community, with fans and players alike honoring her memory. The bond between the Bryant family and UConn remains strong, and Vanessa’s support for the team serves as a reminder of the lasting impact that Gianna had on the basketball world.
As UConn continues to excel on the court, the spirit of Gigi Bryant will always be present, inspiring players and fans alike to reach for greatness in her memory.
