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Vanessa Bryant honors Gigi’s UConn dream in emotional championship tribute

Gigi’s dream lives on—Vanessa reflects on her daughter’s love for UConn after their dominant title win

Vanessa Bryant attends the women's basketball semi-final match between Team USA and Team Australia

APRIL 6, 2025 11:36 PM EDTAPR 6, 2025, 11:36 PM EDT

UConn does it again—12 championships and counting in women’s basketball. The University of Connecticut keeps making history, holding onto its powerhouse status in the sport for decades. On April 6, 2025, they rolled past South Carolina 82–59 to claim their 12th NCAA title. The game wasn’t even close. But what really stood out came after.

Vanessa Bryant shared a tribute to Gigi Bryant, who had always dreamed of playing for the Huskies. “Gigi would’ve loved being there with you,” she wrote, along with one of Gigi’s own quotes: “When you think you can’t, UCONN.” A win full of emotion, legacy, and something way bigger than basketball.

Vanessa Bryant's tribute to Gigi after UConn's national title win

Gigi's connection to UConn basketball

Gigi would’ve been 18 on April 6, 2025—just in time to be a freshman in the 2024–2025 college basketball season. Given her passion for the game and Kobe's stories about her strong desire to play for UConn, it's not difficult to envision her as a member of this championship squad.

Kobe and Gigi Bryant applauds the UConn seniors on Senior Day at Gampel Pavilion Saturday. UConn beat Houston 83-61. — Kobe and Gigi Bryant applaud the UConn seniors on Senior Day at Gampel Pavilion Saturday. UConn beat Houston 83-61.

Gigi had a real love for UConn, and it showed early on. At just 11, she visited the Huskies’ locker room in L.A.—a night Kobe called unforgettable. That bond only grew over the years. In March 2019, she and Kobe went to Senior Night at Gampel Pavilion, both clearly excited to be there. Kobe even shared a post saying, “Had a great trip to @uconnwbb for senior night... with my baby Gigi. Love seeing her eyes light up watching great basketball.”

Kobe's affection for Gigi and her aspiration to attend UConn was evident. Reflecting on her goals, he once said, “She’s hellbent on going to UConn. That’s her spot; that’s where she wants to be,” showing just how serious she was about it.

Kobe and Gigi attend the game between the UCLA Bruins and UConn Huskies on November 21, 2017, at Pauley Pavilion in Los Angeles.

After UConn’s Final Four loss in 2017, Gigi wrote a note with the line, “When you think you can’t, UConn”—a message that later appeared on team warm-up shirts in 2021. When she passed away in 2020, UConn honored her with a No. 2 jersey and other heartfelt tributes, keeping her spirit close to the team she loved.

Gigi wrote this letter to UConn after their 2017 Final Four loss. She truly loved the Huskies

Gigi would’ve been 18 on April 6, 2025—just in time to be a freshman in the 2024–2025 college basketball season. With her love for the game and Kobe’s stories about how badly she wanted to play for UConn, it’s easy to picture her on this championship team. Vanessa posted, "Gigi would've loved being there," after the Huskies won another NCAA title, completing the circle. Gigi’s connection to the team is still deeply felt.

A jersey to honor Gianna Bryant sits on the UConn bench before the USA Women's National Team Winter Tour 2020 game between the United States and the UConn Huskies at The XL Center on January 27, 2020 in Hartford, Connecticut.

The Bryants’ lasting impact on women’s basketball

Kobe championed women’s basketball every step of the way—coaching Gigi’s team, showing up at WNBA and UConn games, and praising players like Diana Taurasi. He mentored, ran camps, and pushed for real respect and visibility in the sport. Vanessa has kept that passion going, consistently supporting the women’s game and keeping Gigi’s love for it front and center. Her tribute after UConn’s win was another reminder that this legacy still matters—and she’s making sure it continues.