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Tiana Mangakahia, who went up to stardom during her outstanding race with the Syracuse female basketball team, died, her family said Friday. She was 30 years old.
After his university career, Mangakahia played professional basketball abroad, with periods in Russia, France and Australia.
Mangakahia’s family said the loss of her loved one left them with a broken heart, but recalled the “courage and grace” of the former athlete.
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Syracuse Orange Guard, Tiana Mangakahia (4), observes before the game against NC State Wolfpack at Carrier Dome in Syracuse, New York, on February 28, 2021. (Rich Barnes/USA Today Sports)
“We are disconsolate when sharing the death of our beautiful Tiana Mangakahia,” the family wrote in the mangakahia social networks account. “She left us on [Thursday]surrounded by family, friends and much love. Tiana was a brilliant light that touched the lives of all who knew with her kindness, strength and warmth. He fought just until the end, showing courage and grace beyond words. “
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Mangakahia was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2019. It proceeded to submit to eight rounds of chemotherapy and two operations. He had put his WNBA ambitions in April of that year and finally decided to return to Syracuse for his last year of eligibility.
“Syracuse Athletics cries the death of Tiana Mangakahia,” said Syracuse’s athletics director John Wildhack, in a statement. “Tiana defined courage, inspiration and passion. An American on the basketball court was an even better person outside the court.”
A new cancer diagnosis during the race as an international mangakahia player forced her to get away from the court. He later turned to train.
Tiana Mangakahia of The Flame leads to the basket during the 14 WNBL round between Sydney Flames and Melbourne Boomers in Quay Center, on February 19, 2023, in Sydney, Australia. (Jenny Evans/Getty Images)
The male team of the Sydney Kings and the Sydney Flames women’s team celebrated a double head last year that also served as a collection of awareness funds on breast cancer for mangakahia. She was an assistant with the flames at that time.
The Syracuse Orange Guard, Tiana Mangakahia (4), drip on the court against the NC State Wolfpack during a game at Carrier Dome in Syracuse, New York, on February 28, 2021. (Rich Barnes/USA Today Sports)
“We are deeply saddened upon learning of the death of Tiana Mangakahia,” Basketball Australia said in a statement. “Tiana inspired us all with their courage and resilience when he faced a second battle with breast cancer. His return to the court on the NBL1 earlier this year with the Spartans of the South districts was a powerful reflection of his strength, determination and love for the game.”
