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The Australian basketball community is reeling from the loss of Tiana Mangakahia, a former Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL) guard, who passed away at the age of 30. Surrounded by family, Mangakahia succumbed to her second battle with cancer on Thursday, leaving behind a legacy of resilience and inspiration.
Mangakahia’s family expressed their grief in a heartfelt statement: “We are heartbroken to share the passing of our beautiful Tiana Mangakahia. She left us on 11/09/2025, surrounded by family, friends, and lots of love. 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.”
A Legacy of Courage and Determination
Known for her tenacity on and off the court, Mangakahia retired from professional basketball two years ago after being diagnosed with stage-four breast cancer. Her initial battle with the disease began four years prior, shortly after she was selected for the Opals’ Olympic training squad while playing for Syracuse University in New York.
Basketball Australia paid tribute to her indomitable spirit: “Tiana 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.”
Return to the Court and Impact on the Community
Despite her health challenges, Mangakahia made an emotional return to college basketball in late 2020 following chemotherapy, a double mastectomy, and reconstructive surgery. Although she was overlooked in the 2021 WNBA draft, she returned to the WNBL with the Sydney Flames in 2022, only to step away from the game again a year later due to her health.
In a statement, the WNBL celebrated her contributions: “Tiana’s basketball journey was defined by resilience, determination, and an unwavering love for the game. She made her WNBL debut in 2011 before enjoying successful seasons with the Townsville Fire and Sydney Flames and being selected for the Opals.”
Personal Reflections and Future Aspirations
Just days before her passing, Mangakahia shared a poignant message about her health: “Over the last five days my health has taken a negative turn. The cancer has progressed and it’s now affecting me in ways that are hard to put into words. I’m experiencing significant physical decline.”
Despite her struggles, Mangakahia remained hopeful and focused on the future. “While my basketball journey on court has come to a close, this won’t be the last time you see me involved with the sport,” she wrote in 2023. “I am looking forward to pursuing a career in coaching and giving back to the sport that has given so much to me.”
“Cancer does scare me, but not living my life to the fullest scares me even more.” – Tiana Mangakahia
Continuing Her Legacy
Mangakahia’s impact extended beyond her playing career. She took on assistant coaching roles with the Sydney Flames and NBL1 Sharks, inspiring the next generation of athletes. Her story of perseverance and passion continues to resonate within the basketball community.
The WNBL expressed its condolences: “While her time in the game was tragically cut short, Tiana’s legacy will live on. She will be remembered for her leadership, strength, courage, and the joy she brought to all who knew her.”
As the basketball world mourns her loss, Tiana Mangakahia’s legacy of courage, determination, and love for the game will undoubtedly inspire countless others to face their own challenges with the same grace and strength she embodied.
