Former Syracuse Basketball Star Tiana Mangakahia Dies at 30

Former Syracuse basketball player Tiana Mangakahia has died.

Mangakahia died at age 30 in her hometown of Brisbane, Australia after dealing with breast cancer for several years, per a statement from her family on Instagram and a release from Syracuse University Athletics. She played for the Orange as a point guard from 2017 to 2021 and recently returned to basketball in Australia this year.

“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,” her family’s statement read. “Though our hearts ache without her, her legacy and the love she gave will stay with us forever.”

The former Syracuse player began treatment for Stage 2 Grade 3 invasive ductal carcinoma while in college in November 2019, per the release, which kept her from participating in the 2019-2020 season. She returned to play in the following season, “inspiring many” at the school.

 

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During her years at Syracuse, Mangakahia was named the 2018-2019 Female Athlete of the Year. In the same season, she helped the Orange to three NCAA Tournaments — ranking the team in the top 16 and landing the first and second rounds of the 2019 NCAA Tournament at Syracuse’s home court.

SU’s head coach Felisha Legette-Jack called Mangakahia the “ultimate fighter,” praising her strength throughout her cancer journey and how it inspired those around her.

“We talk about ‘We Fight On’ with our women’s basketball team. Tiana embraced it, she lived it and inspired others through her fight,” Legette-Jack said, per the relesase. “We are fortunate to have had Tiana as one of our own. Her legacy will live forever at Syracuse. May she rest in peace.”

When she left Syracuse basketball, Mangakahia was the program leader in assists (736), assists per game (8.7) and free throw percentage (.873), per SU’s student newspaper, The Daily Orange.

Mangakahia later pursued a professional career in Russia, France and her native Australia, and briefly played on the Phoenix Mercury’s practice squad. She retired from the sport in 2023, but recently returned this year to play in her hometown club, Southern District Spartans.

Former Syracuse basketball player Tiana Mangakahia has died.

Mangakahia died at age 30 in her hometown of Brisbane, Australia after dealing with breast cancer for several years, per a statement from her family on Instagram and a release from Syracuse University Athletics. She played for the Orange as a point guard from 2017 to 2021 and recently returned to basketball in Australia this year.

“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,” her family’s statement read. “Though our hearts ache without her, her legacy and the love she gave will stay with us forever.”

The former Syracuse player began treatment for Stage 2 Grade 3 invasive ductal carcinoma while in college in November 2019, per the release, which kept her from participating in the 2019-2020 season. She returned to play in the following season, “inspiring many” at the school.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Tiana Mangakahia (@tiana_mangakahia)

During her years at Syracuse, Mangakahia was named the 2018-2019 Female Athlete of the Year. In the same season, she helped the Orange to three NCAA Tournaments — ranking the team in the top 16 and landing the first and second rounds of the 2019 NCAA Tournament at Syracuse’s home court.

SU’s head coach Felisha Legette-Jack called Mangakahia the “ultimate fighter,” praising her strength throughout her cancer journey and how it inspired those around her.

“We talk about ‘We Fight On’ with our women’s basketball team. Tiana embraced it, she lived it and inspired others through her fight,” Legette-Jack said, per the relesase. “We are fortunate to have had Tiana as one of our own. Her legacy will live forever at Syracuse. May she rest in peace.”

When she left Syracuse basketball, Mangakahia was the program leader in assists (736), assists per game (8.7) and free throw percentage (.873), per SU’s student newspaper, The Daily Orange.

Mangakahia later pursued a professional career in Russia, France and her native Australia, and briefly played on the Phoenix Mercury’s practice squad. She retired from the sport in 2023, but recently returned this year to play in her hometown club, Southern District Spartans.