SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Tiana Mangakahia, a star guard for the Syracuse University (SU) women’s basketball team from 2017-2021, died Thursday after a battle with cancer at the age of 30.
She was surrounded by family and friends in her hometown of Brisbane, Australia, Syracuse University Athletics said in announcing her death on Friday.
The SU announcement described Mangakahia as a “beloved Syracuse basketball standout known for her infectious personality and inspiring many through her courageous cancer battle.”
(Sponsored)
Ask the Expert: Solving Your Workforce Challenges with Registered Apprenticeship
Finding skilled workers isn’t getting any easier. Whether you’re facing retirements, turnover, or a lack of qualified candidates, you’re not alone. Businesses across every industry are struggling to fill critical
It’s Time for Your Business to Think About Year-End Tax Planning
As the year-end approaches, it’s time to take proactive steps to help lower your business’s taxes for 2024 and beyond. Deferring income and accelerating deductions to minimize taxes can be
“Syracuse Athletics mourns the passing of Tiana Mangakahia,” John Wildhack, SU director of athletics, said in the announcement. “Tiana defined courage, inspiration, and passion. An All-American on the basketball court she was an even better person off the court. She was kind, considerate, caring, and always uplifting even during the most challenging of times.
Wildhack also added, “We extend our thoughts and prayers to Tiana’s family and friends. She will always be Forever Orange.”
Mangakahia was a star guard for the Orange from 2017-21, earning All-America and All-ACC honors. In November 2019 she underwent surgery while battling stage 2 grade 3 invasive ductal carcinoma (breast cancer), causing her to miss the 2019-20 season. She courageously returned to the court a year later in Nov. 2020.
She graduated in 2019 with a degree in communications and rhetorical studies from Syracuse’s College of Visual and Performing Arts before extending her studies into the Sport Venue and Event Management graduate program at Syracuse’s David B. Falk College of Sport.
“The ultimate fighter!” Syracuse Head Coach Felisha Legette-Jack said. “We talk about ‘We Fight On’ with our women’s basketball team. Tiana embraced it, she lived it and inspired others through her fight. We are fortunate to have had Tiana as one of our own. Her legacy will live forever at Syracuse. May she rest in peace.”
Career accomplishments
A two-time WBCA Division I Coaches All-America Honorable Mention selection, Mangakahia etched her name in the Syracuse record books during her three seasons with the Orange, SU Athletics said.
She graduated as the program leader in career assists (736), assists per game (8.7) and free throw percentage (.873). She earned All-ACC honors in all three seasons, twice garnering first team recognition.
Mangakahia was the 2018-19 Syracuse Female Athlete of the Year. She helped guide SU to three NCAA Tournaments including a top-16 seed and the right to host the first and second rounds of the 2019 NCAA Tournament at the JMA Wireless Dome.
She holds single-game Syracuse records in assists (17 vs. Vanderbilt), free throws made (20) and free throws attempted (21), both of which were against Georgia Tech in a game which Mangakahia scored 44 points on Jan. 4, 2018. Her 44 points in a game represents the second-most in program history. She tied her career mark of 44 the following season when she helped SU upset a ranked Florida State team on the road, on Feb. 28, 2019.
In 2021, Mangakahia was honored by the ACC with the Bob Bradley Spirit and Courage Award. She was also a recipient of the Syracuse 8 Courage Award while at Syracuse.
After completing her collegiate career, Mangakahia went undrafted and ultimately signed a training camp contract with the Phoenix Mercury of the WNBA. She went on to play professionally in Russia, France and her native Australia.
