Natalia Bryant’s graduation sash included several nods to her late father Kobe
Lakers owner Jeanie Buss personally handed Natalia her diploma during USC’s graduation ceremony on May 16
Natalia, who was a member of the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority, graduated cum laude from the university
Natalia Bryant included a few special nods to her late father Kobe Bryant while accepting her diploma from the University of Southern California..
After Natalia, 22, graduated cum laude from USC on Friday, May 16, her mother Vanessa Bryant revealed the sweet way her daughter honored Kobe during the milestone celebration.
In a video shared by Vanessa, 43, on Friday, a photo of Natalia’s graduation sash is shown. Sewn into her sash is a message that reads, “Thank you Mom & Dad,” in USC’s signature yellow and red colors.
Natalia’s graduation sash also included her father’s sheath logo on the top left. In a 2014 interview with Esquire, Kobe explained that the symbol is inspired by a samurai sword. The sword is the “raw talent,” Bryant explained,” and the sheath is “the package it’s kept in — everything you go through, your calluses and your baggage, what you learn.”
Vanessa Bryant/Instagram
Natalia Bryant and mom Vanessa Bryant at USC graduation on May 16, 2025
And while her late father, who tragically died along with her sister Gianna Bryant and seven others in a helicopter crash in 2020, couldn’t be there to watch Natalia accept her diploma, the Bryants had the support of their Lakers family in owner Jeanie Buss at the ceremony.
Buss, 63, personally handed Natalia her diploma on stage at the USC graduation. “Thank you @jeaniebuss for making this milestone even more special. #LakersFamily,” Vanessa wrote in her caption on Instagram.
In a comment on her mother’s post, Natalia also acknowledged Buss’ kind gesture. “Thank you @jeaniebuss ❤️,” she wrote.
Amy Sussman/WireImage
Natalia Bryant and Vanessa Bryant attend the World Premiere of “Renaissance: A Film By Beyoncé” at Samuel Goldwyn Theater on November 25, 2023 in Beverly Hills, California.
Natalia’s graduation was celebrated by a number of A-list stars who left comments on Vanessa’s post. Khloe Kardashian said, “Congratulations! This is such a huge accomplishment! 👏👏👏❤️❤️❤️,” while her mother Kris Jenner wrote, “Congratulations!!! Wow where did the time go?!?!?! We are so proud of you Natalia we love you!!! ❤️💛❤️💛.”
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LA Sparks great and USC alum Lisa Leslie commented, “Wow! 😢😢 Congratulations @nataliabryant ❤️❤️❤️❤️ Beauty and Brains!!! What an awesome combination! FIGHTON✌🏾.”
In her portrait from graduation day, Natalia wrote, “25’❤️🎓,” in the caption. She wore a white dress with a red and gold stole that read “cum laude” and included the Greek letters of her sorority, Kappa Kappa Gamma.
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