Fans and friends of the Australian point guard “inspired others through her fight,” Orange coach Felisha Legette-Jack said.
Former Syracuse basketball star Tiana Mangakahia, remembered for her courage in the face of cancer, passed away Thursday at the age of 30.
Mangakahia, a standout point guard who led Syracuse in assists during each of her three seasons with the Orange, died in her hometown of Brisbane, Australia, surrounded by family and friends, the university announced.
Head coach Felisha Legette-Jack paid tribute to Mangakahia, calling her “the ultimate fighter” and an inspiration.
“We talk about ‘We Fight On’ with our women’s basketball team. Tiana embodied that spirit every day. She lived it and inspired so many through her journey. Her legacy will live on forever at Syracuse. May she rest in peace.”
Mangakahia was first diagnosed with breast cancer in June 2019, after two seasons at Syracuse. She underwent a bilateral mastectomy and chemotherapy, missing the 2019-20 season before returning to the court in 2020-21. That year, she earned All-ACC honorable mention honors.
Alongside then-teammate Kamilla Cardoso, Mangakahia helped guide Syracuse to the second round of the 2021 NCAA Tournament, where the Orange fell to Connecticut and standout Paige Bueckers.
Her professional career included stints in Australia, Russia, and France. She was playing for the Sydney Flames in Australia’s Women’s National Basketball League when her cancer returned, ultimately forcing her retirement in the summer of 2023.
Basketball Australia, the sport’s governing body, issued a statement expressing its condolences following the death of Tiana Mangakahia.
“We are deeply saddened by Tiana’s passing. She inspired us all with her courage and resilience as she faced a second battle with breast cancer.”
Earlier this year, Mangakahia briefly came out of retirement to play with the Southern Districts Spartans in the NBL1, a moment Basketball Australia described as a testament to her spirit:
“Her return to the court with the Spartans was a powerful reflection of her strength, determination, and enduring love for the game.”
The statement closed with: “Forever an Opal. Vale Tiana Mangakahia.”
When announcing her retirement in 2023, Mangakahia shared that she had once dreamed of a long basketball career followed by marriage and starting a family. But in a heartfelt message, she revealed her reality:
“I never thought I’d be writing this until I was ready to have children with my future husband. Without going into too much detail, I have recently been diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer that has spread to other parts of my body. Sadly, I’ve been told it’s time to retire and focus on life beyond being a professional athlete.”
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