After a fight with breast cancer, Tiana Mangakahia, a former Syracuse basketball standout who played professionally in Russia, France, and her native Australia, died at the age of thirty. After receiving a diagnosis in June 2019, she had two surgeries and eight rounds of chemotherapy. Her relatives made the announcement.
“Though our hearts ache without her, her legacy and the love she gave will stay with us forever. We will continue to honor her in everything we do.”
Tiana’s former team, Basketball Queensland, has expressed their condolences for her demise.
Tiana began her career as a Queensland junior and went on to represent at all levels, including the Australian junior national teams, Syracuse University, the WNBL, and the NBL1. Tiana was a great advocate for the game, contributing not just as a player but also more recently as a coach, sharing her knowledge and passion despite her valiant struggle with cancer.
She was a bright light to everyone who knew her, a tough competitor on the court with an infectious personality, and a friend to many.
She will be appreciated for her perseverance both on and off the court, the good influence she had on others around her, and the smile she always had, no matter what.
Funeral information will be shared as soon as it is confirmed, so please check back if you would want to join her family in celebrating her amazing life.
Also Read: Ian Freiman Missing In Rumsey Playfield NY, September 10
