{"id":137906,"date":"2025-09-12T14:49:14","date_gmt":"2025-09-12T14:49:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/137906\/"},"modified":"2025-09-12T14:49:14","modified_gmt":"2025-09-12T14:49:14","slug":"australian-basketball-in-mourning-as-former-wnbl-guard-tiana-mangakahia-dies-aged-30","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/137906\/","title":{"rendered":"Australian basketball in mourning as former WNBL guard Tiana Mangakahia dies aged 30"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Australian basketball<\/a> community is in mourning following the tragic passing of Tiana Mangakahia.<\/p>\n

Mangakahia was surrounded by family on Thursday when she lost her second battle with cancer at just 30 years of age.<\/p>\n

In a statement, Mangakahia\u2019s family said: \u201cWe are heartbroken to share the passing of our beautiful Tiana Mangakahia.<\/p>\n

Know the news with the 7NEWS app: Download today \"Download<\/a><\/p>\n

\u201cShe left us on 11\/09\/2025, surrounded by family, friends and lots of love.<\/p>\n

\u201cTiana 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.<\/p>\n

\u201cThough our hearts ache without her, her legacy and the love she gave will stay with us forever. We will continue to honour her in everything we do.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe love you endlessly, Tiana, and will miss you always. \ud83e\ude77 #Tough4T<\/a>.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mangakahia retired from professional basketball two years ago<\/a> on medical advice when she was diagnosed with stage-four breast cancer.<\/p>\n

The former Sydney Flames WNBL guard had already overcome an initial bout of cancer, which came four years prior to the 2023 diagnosis, shortly after being selected in the Opals\u2019 Olympic training squad while playing for Syracuse University in New York State.<\/p>\n

\"TianaTiana Mangakahia ahead of the 2019 season for Syracuse. Credit: Instagram<\/p>\n

\u201cWe are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Tiana Mangakahia,\u201d Basketball Australia said in a statement.<\/p>\n

\u201cTiana inspired us all with her courage and resilience as she faced a second battle with breast cancer. Her return to the court in the NBL1 earlier this year with the Southern Districts Spartans was a powerful reflection of her strength, determination, and enduring love for the game.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe were fortunate to have her join us for the Opals vs Tall Ferns fixture on the Sunshine Coast in May, where her presence was a reminder of the impact she made on teammates, fans, and the wider basketball community.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe know this news will affect many across our sport. We encourage everyone to lean on their support networks and each other during this difficult time.<\/p>\n

\u201cForever an Opal.\u201d<\/p>\n

Just eight days ago, Mangakahia said her health had taken a turn for the worse.<\/p>\n

\u201cOver the last five days my health has taken a negative turn,\u201d she said on Thursday last week.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe cancer has progressed and it\u2019s now affecting me in ways that are hard to put into words. I\u2019m experiencing significant physical decline.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs of now, I\u2019m taking things day by day, focusing on spending as much time as possible with my family and close friends. I would like to ask for some privacy during this time.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis isn\u2019t an easy message to write or share but I\u2019m still ME!<\/p>\n

\u201cStill holding on to hope and faith. I may not be able to show up in all the ways I used to, but I still deeply value every message, prayer and thought.<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you for walking this path with me. Your love and strength carry me through more than you know.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"TianaTiana Mangakahia speaks during the MVP ball presentation earlier this year. Credit: Mark Evans\/Getty Images<\/p>\n

Following chemotherapy, a double mastectomy and reconstructive surgery, she made an emotional return to college basketball in late 2020 and, after being overlooked in the 2021 WNBA draft, returned to the WNBL with the Flames in 2022.<\/p>\n

It was only 12 months later that she had to step away from the game again.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhile my basketball journey on court has come to a close, this won\u2019t be the last time you see me involved with the sport,\u201d she wrote on June 5, 2023.<\/p>\n

\u201cEven though my journey is uncertain, what I am certain about is my passion for life and bringing greater awareness throughout the community about this nasty disease.<\/p>\n

\u201cI am looking forward to pursuing a career in coaching and giving back to the sport that has given so much to me.<\/p>\n

\u201cCancer does scare me, but not living my life to the fullest scares me even more.\u201d<\/p>\n

The WNBL released a statement of its own, celebrating Mangakahia\u2019s contribution to the league.<\/p>\n

\u201cTiana\u2019s basketball journey was defined by resilience, determination, and an unwavering love for the game,\u201d the statement reads.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe made her WNBL debut in 2011 before enjoying successful seasons with the Townsville Fire and Sydney Flames and being selected for the Opals.\u200d<\/p>\n

\u201cTiana continued to shine in the NBL1, winning North MVP in 2022, and making an inspiring return to the court this year with the Southern Districts Spartans, where she helped guide them to a grand final series.\u200d<\/p>\n

\u201cShe also gave back to the sport she loved through assistant coaching roles with the Sydney Flames and NBL1 Sharks, inspiring the next generation of athletes.\u200d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhile her time in the game was tragically cut short, Tiana\u2019s legacy will live on. She will be remembered for her leadership, strength, courage, and the joy she brought to all who knew her.\u200d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe WNBL extends its deepest condolences to Tiana\u2019s family, friends, teammates, and the entire basketball community.<\/p>\n

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