Sabrina Ionescuis sharing howKobe Bryant’s memory continues to inspire her, one year after his untimely death.
The 23-year-old New York Liberty point guard — who was a mentee of Kobe’s anddelivered an emotional speechat the memorial service held for the Bryants at the Staples Center last February — toldYahoo! Sportshis legacy motivates her in the WNBA, today.
“I saw the way he supported his family and his constant advocacy for women’s basketball,” she continued. “His encouragement and promotion of equality in sports along with his Mamba Mentality is what motivates me today.”
Sabrina Ionescu and Kobe Bryant.Travis Bell/NBAE via Getty Images; Kevin Winter/Getty Images
Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
Inan Instagram tributedays after the fatal crash, Ionescu remembered Kobe as “a source of light in the midst of darkness,” adding that she misses them “more than I could ever put into words.”
“You were and always will be my sanctuary. You brought me the peace and guidance that I had been searching, and praying so long for,” she wrote at the time. “You were my mentor, idol, inspiration, and close friend. A part of me was lost Sunday, a void that can never be filled, because you are one of one. You took me under your wing and believed in me more than I believed in myself.”
“I only have one choice,” she continued at the time. “To live out your legacy. You will forever live through me, and be watching over me every step of the way, because you have the best seat in the house. I can still hear you telling me, ‘Sab, real sharpness comes without effort,’ and that’s a voice I will never forget. Love you boss.”
source: people.com
