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Tiana Mangakahia, who rose to star status during her prominent race with Syracuse Women’s Basketball team, has died, her family said Friday. She was 30.
After his college career, Mangakahia played professional basketball abroad with Stints in Russia, France and Australia.
Mangakahia’s family said that the loss of their loved one left them heart -bred, but remembered the former athlete’s “courage and grace.”
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Syracuse Orange Guard Tiana Mangakahia (4) looks at before the game against NC State Wolfpack at the Carrier Dome in Syracuse, New York on February 28, 2021. (Rich Barnes/USA Today Sports)
“We are heart -bridged to share the passing of our beautiful Tiana Mangakahia,” the family wrote in Mangakahia’s social media account. “She let us on [Thursday]Surrounded by family, friends and lots of love. Tiana was a luminous light that touched the life of everyone, she met with her kindness, strength and warmth. She fought right up until the end and showed courage and grace beyond words. “
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Mangakahia was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2019. She continued to undergo eight rounds of chemotherapy and two surgeries. She had put her WNBA ambitions on wait in April of that year and eventually decided to return to Syracuse for her last year with eligibility.
“Syracuse -Athletics makes sure Tiana Mangakahia is going,” said athletic director of Syracuse John Wildhack in a statement. “Tiana defined courage, inspiration and passion. An allamerican on the basketball court she was an even better person from the field.”
A new cancer diagnosis during Mangakahia’s international gaming career forced her to go away from court. She later turned to coaching.
Tiana Mangakahia from the Flames runs to the basket during the round 14 WNBL match between Sydney Flames and Melbourne Boomers in the Quay Center, February 19, 2023, in Sydney, Australia. (Jenny Evans/Getty Images)
Sydney Kings Men’s Team and Sydney Flames Women’s team held a double head last year, which also served as a collection of breast cancer awareness for Mangakahia. She was an assistant with the flames at the time.
Syracuse Orange Guard Tiana Mangakahia (4) dribbles up the field against NC State Wolfpack during a game in the Carrier Dome in Syracuse, New York on February 28, 2021. (Rich Barnes/USA Today Sports)
“We are deeply sad about learning about Pidiana Mangakahia,” Basketball Australia said in a statement. “Tiana inspired us all with her courage and resilience as she faced another battle of breast cancer. Her return to the Court in NBL1 earlier this year with the southern districts Spartans was a strong reflection of her strength, determination and sustained love of the game.”
