Candace Parker

Candace Parker Instagram – 8-2-24 Once again @vanessabryant does it again! BEAUTIFUL representation of Kobe and Gigi and the legacy that they leave behind. Kobe and Gigi are a huge reason why women’s sports are where they are right now. Rewind,I had just got drafted out to LA in 2008. I had texted Kobe, but never had officially met him until the Beijing Olympics. It was unbelievable to see up close how AMAZING of an athlete he was. But also, in the athlete lounge to hang and play cards and pick his brain about everything! Then a couple days later, his family came. Vanessa, Nani and Gigi got to China and I remember running into them the first day on the elevator after practice. I’m dressed in my USA gear and I see Kobe and he waves at me. I meet V and then it’s time to meet the girls. He looks at me and says with a straight face and raises his eyebrows, “CP, these are my girls, they’re going to break all your records.” His face turned to a smile. Seeing the statue of Kobe and Gigi and reading the plaque of him talking about Gigi being a beast makes me smile. He was so proud of his girls! He is the ultimate girl dad! Yesterday, I’m talking to Bianka Bryant after the ceremony and I ask her what sport she is going to play in the 2028 LA Olympics. She said confidently and raised her eyebrows like Kobe did, “flag football, I’m a beast!” Her Dad and sister have to be so proud and their legacy lives on in them and every female athlete that knows they can if they put the work in! Vanessa’s call to action inspired me and it should inspire all of you. Growing women’s sports is what Kobe and Gigi would want! | Posted on 03/Aug/2024 21:47:33