Name the professional athletes you respect the most and why.

Why I Respect Kobe Bryant

I paid attention to Kobe Bryant from the very beginning—this young man stepping into a league of adult basketball players with amazing talents. He had to blend himself into a challenging, competitive, and very public arena. Everyone was paying attention, rumors were swirling, but I sat back and just watched how he was going to maneuver his way through it all.

Over time, Kobe was interviewed more and more, and it became clear—he was focused, driven, and committed to his craft. His work ethic and determination stood out. I’ve listened to many of his interviews and done my own research, not obsessively, but because he captured my attention. Yes, I could acknowledge his great talents on the court, but what fascinated me most was his mindset.

I’ve always been drawn to sports, not because I understand all the rules of the game, but because I want to understand the mindset behind the athletes. Maybe it’s the empath in me, but I look at sports differently. I want to know how they developed the skills to achieve the end results. Kobe spoke openly about his competitive drive, his weaknesses, and the areas where he needed to grow—not only physically, but mentally. From a very young age, he came into the game determined, but he evolved into an amazing leader who showed people how to step up for themselves.

In my eyes, Kobe became more than an athlete. He became a life mentor for people both younger and older. He didn’t just talk the talk; he walked the walk. He would encourage his teammates and peers to stay off the streets and instead improve their skills. But he never forced it—he would simply say, If you want to know what I do to be who I am and who I will become, this is where I’ll be at 4am tomorrow. You’re welcome to join. That’s leadership through example.

Kobe also poured into his family. He and his wife Vanessa had open and honest conversations about how they would make their relationship work, keeping love and family at the core. He adored her, and he loved his girls deeply. When he retired, he didn’t fade away—it wasn’t the end of a career, it was the beginning of another level. He planned it all out with purpose, elevating himself beyond the game.

His passion for basketball inspired his daughter Gianna, who naturally picked up the ball and pursued the game herself. Kobe founded the Mambas, a girls’ club team, and hand-picked each player. He recognized their potential and believed in their ability to love the game with the same fierceness and determination he carried.

Some might say Kobe came across as cocky, but I saw it differently. To me, he was a man with confidence—the kind of confidence that comes from putting in the work. He studied not only the game but the mind, constantly seeking deeper understanding of people and situations. He wasn’t perfect—he knew that—but he committed to being the very best version of Kobe Bryant that God intended him to be.

Kobe understood his purpose was bigger than himself, and he lived it. Yes, we can reflect and mourn the tragic loss of Kobe, Gianna, and the others who passed on January 26, 2020. But I believe the greater way to honor his legacy is to step up ourselves—to be the best we are meant to be. To make a difference in our families, our communities, and every environment we step into. To bring good energy, and to leave places better than we found them.

At 65 years old, I can say I have learned so much from listening to Kobe, researching his words, and observing how he lived. Gossip and drama never interested me—those are distractions. What interested me was his discipline, his vision, his legacy. Few people, if any, can truly say they’ve achieved that kind of greatness inside and outside of the game.

Kobe Bryant will always have my deepest respect.