Tiana Mangakahia, an adored star of Australian basketball, died on Thursday night. At 30 years old, she died in her friends and family’s arms, after a brutal battle. Her passing has resulted in an unprecedented reaction from the world of sport. They mourn her passing, not just recalling her mind-boggling talents on the hardwood, but her relentless drive to overcome obstacles and break barriers. Mangakahia was initially diagnosed with breast cancer in 2019 while playing for Syracuse University. She has since gone on to become a powerful symbol of that resilience and hope.
Mangakahia grew up in a basketball-loving clan. She began her professional playing career with the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) and the Townsville Fire, but it was in 2017 that she burst onto the scene at the collegiate level. Her trip took a difficult turn when she was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer just after her college season concluded. Despite this setback, she continued to inspire many by returning to the WNBL in the 2022/23 season with the Sydney Flames.
A Legacy of Inspiration
Throughout her life, and even more so during her fight against cancer, Mangakahia showed her courage and strength. Her family wrote that she was a “shining light” whose kindness, strength and warmth reached everyone she encountered. They said, “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.”
Basketball Australia (BA) praised her spirit, stating, “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.”
For the NBL1 North season, Mangakahia—who had retired from basketball to start a family—returned to play with Southern Districts Spartans in April 2025. Her final choice showed her fierce heart for basketball. It served to underscore her determination to make an impact and motivate others, even as a dire diagnosis slowed her down.
Community Impact
Mangakahia’s influence extended beyond the basketball court. She led the charge for the WNBL to host its first ever Pink Game. As you can imagine, this event factored largely into fundraising efforts for the McGrath Foundation. This program is helping usher in breast cancer awareness and research. It’s a testament to the impact she’s made and continues to make on the lives of people whose lives have been touched by cancer.
Through her presence at community gatherings and events, she made an everlasting imprint. Basketball Australia highlighted this impact when they noted, “We 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.”
Mangakahia’s road to recovery was not easy. She was propped up by the constant encouragement of her friends and family. In her own words, she expressed gratitude for her family’s strength: “I believe I got that from my family, my parents, and I’m so grateful for them.”
Remembering Tiana
Tributes continue to pour in since her death. It is with great sadness that we mourn the loss of Ngāti Pāoa person and graduate, Mangakahia. Her family shared their heartache while emphasizing her lasting legacy: “Though our hearts ache without her, her legacy and the love she gave will stay with us forever. We’ll keep celebrating her life and love and joy in all that we do.”
