Kobe Bryant

The definition of greatness cannot be confined to an explanation found in Webster's Dictionary; the epitome of greatness is unique to the individual seeking it. For some, greatness is achieved through fame; for some, it is found in fortune. But for all, greatness is achieved from a long life of hard work and nothing epitomizes this more than the life and work ethic of Kobe Bryant. For Kobe Bryant, the NBA became a part of his life much earlier than other NBA stars. Son of NBA star Joe Bryant, Kobe found his niche in basketball and pursued it from an early age. Though he was born in Philadelphia, Kobe spent his elementary and middle school years in Italy where his father played in an Italian basketball league, while Kobe excelled in grade school basketball. Demonstrating his unique athleticism, Kobe's skills were not relegated to the basketball court; from a young age, Kobe also excelled in soccer, a sport only superseded by that of his love for basketball. While growing up in Italy, Kobe made an annual trip back to the United States every summer to participate in the summer leagues, which he would credit with his pre-NBA development as a basketball player. After his father moved his family back to Philadelphia in 1991, Kobe enrolled at Lower Merion High School and began chasing greatness on the court, where he guided the team to four State Basketball championship games.