Former Syracuse women’s basketball star Tiana Mangakahia has died after a fight with cancer, her family announced on social media.
Mangakahia was 30.
‘Tiana was a shining light who touched the lives of everyone she met with her kindness, strength, and warmth. She fought right till the very end, showing courage and grace beyond words,’ the family wrote. ‘Though our hearts ache without her, her legacy and the love she gave will stay with us forever.
Mangakahia, originally from Australia, transferred to Syracuse in 2017 after spending two years at Hutchinson Community College in Kansas and led the nation in assists, earning first-team All-ACC honors.
Before her senior season at Syracuse, she was diagnosed with cancer and underwent chemotherapy, a double mastectomy, and reconstructive surgery. She sat out the 2019 season, but returned to the Orange in 2020 and averaged 11.4 points, 3.1 rebounds, 7.3 assists, and 1.5 steals per game.
After graduating, she played in Russia and Australia, including the Women’s National Basketball League in her native country, but retired from the sport after the cancer returned in 2023.
‘The WNBL is deeply saddened by the passing of athlete Tiana Mangakahia, who has died at the age of 30 after a courageous battle with breast cancer. Tiana’s basketball journey was defined by resilience, determination, and an unwavering love for the game,’ the WNBL said in a statement.
Last week, Mangakahia posted on social media that her health had taken ‘a negative turn’ and was ‘experiencing significant physical decline.’
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