Tiana Mangakahia, a former Syracuse University women's basketball star from Australia, passed away at age 30 after a prolonged battle with breast cancer. She was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2019 during her college career, which required chemotherapy, a double mastectomy, and reconstructive surgery, forcing her to miss the 2019-20 season. Despite this, she made a remarkable comeback to play in the 2020-21 season. After college, she played professionally overseas and in the Australian WNBL before retiring in 2023 when her cancer returned. She briefly returned to basketball in early 2025 during treatment but sadly passed away in her hometown Brisbane, surrounded by family and friends, on September 11, 2025. Her legacy is remembered for her courage, strength, and inspiring fight against cancer, as well as her basketball achievements.
