It was a milestone moment for Natalia Bryant as she walked across the stage to receive her college diploma from the University of Southern California. Though a late Kobe Bryant be there physically, Natalia made sure her dad’s presence was felt with a powerful and emotional tribute during her graduation ceremony.
The 22-year-old graduated with a degree in film from USC‘s School of Cinematic Arts, a field that reflects her creativity and love for storytelling.
Her proud mother, Vanessa Bryant, shared the joy of the day on Instagram, posting a touching photo of Natalia in a white dress and graduation stole adorned with personal and academic symbols.
“4 ever @nataliabryant #USCGRAD #CumLaude,” Vanessa wrote, highlighting not just Natalia’s scholastic achievement, but also the deeply symbolic design of her stole.
On one side of the stole were the Greek letters for her sorority Kappa Kappa Gamma, her graduating class year-Class of 2025-and the academic honor Cum Laude, signifying her high GPA.
On the other side, Natalia included a powerful tribute to her father: the Mamba logo, Kobe‘s iconic symbol that embodies the mindset he instilled in both sports and life. The stole also featured the name of the School of Cinematic Arts and USC‘s spirited slogan, “Fight On!”
The Mamba legacy lives on through Natalia
The Mamba logo wasn’t just a fashion statement-it was a message. It was a declaration that Kobe’s values, particularly his legendary “Mamba Mentality,” continue to guide Natalia’s journey.
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That same spirit also lives through her late sister, Gianna “Gigi” Bryant, whose nickname “Mambacita” continues to inspire youth sports through the Mamba & Mambacita Sports Foundation. In fact, Nike just released a pair of Kobe 9s honoring Gigi on what would have been her 19th birthday, further underlining the family’s enduring impact on both sports and culture.
Natalia, who has made a name for herself in the fashion world as a professional model, looked radiant on graduation day, beaming with pride as she held her diploma. But beyond her graceful appearance and public poise, it’s clear she’s carrying the legacy of her father and sister in everything she does.
The bond between Vanessa and Natalia was also beautifully evident. The two have leaned on each other in the years following the tragic loss of Kobe and Gigi in 2020.
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