At just 30 years old, we mourn the passing of Tiana Mangakahia, a basketball star whose courage and resilience inspired many. After a relentless battle with breast cancer first diagnosed in 2019, when she was at Syracuse University, Tiana refused to be defined by illness.
Her fight was both public and courageous. She underwent chemotherapy, a double mastectomy, reconstructive surgery, and returned to the court with Syracuse in the 2020–21 season. She led Division I in assists and proved to be a leader both on and off the court.
Tiana’s professional career saw her play internationally in Russia, France, and in the WNBL in Australia before a stage-4 recurrence of breast cancer forced her to retire in 2023. In 2025, she made one final brave return to basketball, joining the Southern Districts Spartans, even as her health declined.
Tiana passed away on September 11, 2025, surrounded by family and loved ones. Her legacy is one of strength, grace, passion not just for basketball, but for life. She leaves behind teammates, fans, and all who admired her not only for her skill, but for her character.
May her memory live on in every game, every assist, every moment of kindness she offered.
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