Cashmere varsity player Hailey Van Lith reflects on Kobe Bryant’s passing

January 26, 2020 7:42 PM

Connor Sarles,

Posted: January 26, 2020 7:42 PM

Updated: January 27, 2020 7:44 AM

by Connor Sarles

Kobe Bryant poses with the Cashmere varsity girl's basketball team.

CASHMERE, Wash. — It was a difficult day for millions of athletes and fans around the globe, learning of the death of Kobe Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna. Cashmere High School varsity girl’s basketball player Hailey Van Lith was close to Bryant, training with him over the summer.

“I am at a loss for words,” she wrote on Instagram, “Never have I seen a passion for life burn so bright in two individuals.”

Van Lith graduates at the end of the school year, and has committed to Louisville, where she will attend next season.

View this post on Instagram

I am at a loss for words. I can only be thankful God gave me time to build a friendship and mentorship with both of you. Never have I seen a passion for life burn so bright in two individuals. Thank you for changing my life. Conversations I shared with you both touched my heart and I will cherish them forever. Until I see you again, I love y’all and Rest In Peace❤️

A post shared by HVL (@haileyvanlith11) on Jan 26, 2020 at 4:25pm PST