Kobe Bryant’s older sister, Sharia Washington, has maintained a quiet yet impactful presence, blending her personal passions with a legacy rooted in family devotion and community empowerment. As a certified fitness professional, entrepreneur, and fiercely supportive sister, Sharia’s life reflects dedication, resilience, and a commitment to carry forward values instilled in the Bryant family. Her heartfelt tributes to Kobe and his daughter Gianna resonate deeply, offering a glimpse into the ongoing ways she honors their memory.
Early Life and Family Background
Growing Up Bryant
Sharia Washington (née Bryant) was born on March 19, 1976, making her the eldest sibling in the Bryant family. Raised alongside her sister Shaya and younger brother Kobe, she was part of a close-knit family grounded in basketball tradition. Their father, Joe Jellybean Bryant, played professional basketball in the NBA and overseas, giving the children an early connection to athletics and ambition. Kobe often acknowledged his sisters’ influence and support throughout his path to becoming a basketball legend.
Education and Athletic Background
Time at Temple University
Sharia attended Temple University’s Fox School of Business, where she balanced academics with competitive athletics. She played Division I volleyball from 1993 to 1997, earning Atlantic 10 First Team honors in 1997. Her athletic achievements and leadership roles during this time laid the foundation for her later career in fitness and health.
Transition to Fitness and Wellness
Following college, Sharia became a National Academy of Sports Medicinecertified personal trainer and Zumba instructor. With more than two decades of experience coaching young people, especially girls, she has continued to advocate for physical fitness as a tool for empowerment and self-esteem.
Professional Life and Public Contributions
Corporate Leadership at SUN50
Sharia currently serves as Director of Corporate Sales and Partnerships for SUN50, a company focused on UV-protective apparel. In this role, she works to integrate sun safety into active lifestyles, partnering with nonprofits, athletes, and educators to promote health without compromising performance or comfort.
Serve Receive Foundation
Deeply passionate about youth sports and community building, Sharia co-founded the Serve Receive Foundation in Las Vegas. The organization empowers young women through sports education, mentorship, and leadership workshops fostering confidence on and off the court.
Tributes and Public Presence
Honoring Kobe and Gianna
After the tragic deaths of Kobe and his daughter Gianna in 2020, Sharia paid tribute in deeply meaningful ways. One of the most public gestures was a tattoo she got on her left shoulder: a black mamba snake shaped like an infinity symbol, wrapping around the numbers 24 and 2 representing Kobe and Gianna respectively. This tattoo quickly gained recognition when shared by her sister-in-law Vanessa Bryant, who expressed admiration and love for the tribute.
Emotional Social Media Tributes
Each year on Kobe’s birthday, Sharia shares heartfelt messages on social media. On the 45th anniversary of his birth, she wrote: Your physical presence is missed every day, but your legacy will live on forever. These posts often include cherished family photos and tributes to his enduring impact.
Personal Life and Values
Family and Community Roots
Sharia resides in Las Vegas with her husband, Jerrod Washington, and their three children. She prioritizes raising her family in an environment that honors gratitude, resilience, and service. After Kobe’s untimely death, she released a statement on behalf of her family expressing deep grief and commitment to honoring his memory through unity and gratitude.
Privacy and Purpose
Unlike many celebrity relatives, Sharia keeps much of her daily life private. Her public expressions whether through foundation events, fitness initiatives, or family tributes reflect a person guided by purpose instead of publicity. Her authenticity underscores her commitment to legacy, not limelight.
Impact and Legacy
- Sharia’s fitness and wellness career shows her dedication to healthy living and youth empowerment.
- Her tattoo tribute represents not only familial love but also an artistic and symbolic connection to Kobe and Gianna’s legacies.
- Through the Serve Receive Foundation, she invests in young girls’ futures through sport and mentorship.
- Her public visibility though limited is grounded in sincerity and respect for her brother’s legacy.
Public Recognition and Support
Sharia’s influence extends quietly but meaningfully across social circles. Vanessa Bryant’s surprise gift of a Tesla in 2021 underscored the deep familial bond they share. In an emotional moment, Vanessa wiped away tears and shared love and gratitude toward Sharia, who responded with heartfelt thanks and appreciation for their connection.
Sharia Washington, Kobe Bryant’s eldest sister, embodies strength, service, and subtle influence. Her journey from Temple University athlete to fitness coach, community leader, and loving aunt reflects an alignment of personal passion and family values. Her public tributes and private acts of mentorship continue to honor Kobe and Gianna every day. Through her work at SUN50, the Serve Receive Foundation, and her own family life, Sharia extends a legacy marked by love, empowerment, and resilience. In a life touched by tragedy and memory, she remains a testament to how one can carry forward greatness through service rather than spotlight.
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