1. Early Life & Background
- Full Name: Tiana Cynthia Mangakahia Wikipedia+2Syracuse University Athletics+2
- Born: April 21, 1995, in Meadowbrook, Queensland, Australia Wikipedia+1
- Family: Daughter of Cynthia and Terei Mangakahia (her father is Māori from New Zealand), raised with five brothers. Wikipedia+2Syracuse University Athletics+2
- Education: Attended Lake Ginninderra Secondary College (in Canberra), spent time at the Australian Institute of Sport as a youth. In the U.S., she studied at Hutchinson Community College before transferring to Syracuse University. Wikipedia+2Syracuse University Athletics+2
2. College & Collegiate Career Highlights
- Mangakahia played at Syracuse University from 2017-2021. Wikipedia+2Syracuse University Athletics+2
- Known especially for her assist leadership:
• She led the nation in assists per game as a sophomore. Las Vegas Aces+1
• Set Syracuse’s career records in assists (total assists), assists-per-game, and free throw percentage. People.com+3Wikipedia+3Syracuse University Athletics+3 - She missed the entire 2019-20 season due to her cancer diagnosis, then made a comeback to play again for Syracuse. Wikipedia+3Syracuse University Athletics+3People.com+3
3. Professional Career & National Representation
- After college, she wasn’t drafted into the WNBA, but she participated in training camp with the Phoenix Mercury. Wikipedia+1
- Played professionally overseas: clubs in Russia (Dynamo Moscow), France (Toulouse Métropole Basket), and back in Australia for the Sydney Flames and Southern Districts Spartans. Wikipedia+2People.com+2
- With the Australian national team, she won a bronze medal at the 2021 FIBA Women’s Asia Cup. ABC+2People.com+2
4. Health Battle & Personal Resilience
- Cancer Diagnosis: Diagnosed in 2019 (Stage 2, Grade 3 invasive ductal carcinoma). Underwent chemotherapy, a double mastectomy, and reconstructive surgery. ABC+3Syracuse University Athletics+3Wikipedia+3
- She returned to play after treatment—a testament to her strength and perseverance. Wikipedia+3Syracuse University Athletics+3People.com+3
- In 2023, her cancer progressed to Stage 4, which led her to retire at that time. Wikipedia+2ABC+2
- She made a brief return in 2025 with the Southern Districts Spartans before her health declined again. Wikipedia+2People.com+2
5. Death & Legacy
- Mangakahia passed away on September 11, 2025, in her hometown of Brisbane, Australia, at the age of 30. Reuters+1
- Her death followed years of fighting breast cancer, first with treatment and then with public battle and advocacy. People.com+1
- Syracuse University, her teammates, and basketball communities globally recognized her courage, leadership, and character. Her records and impact both on and off the court continue to inspire many. People.com+2SB Nation+2
6. Geo-Specific Impacts & Global Influence
- Australia: As an Australian star, she was admired not just in performance but for her openness about health, inspiring many in her home nation. ABC+1
- United States / College Basketball: At Syracuse, she was famous among NCAA fans, particularly for her playmaking and comeback. Her leadership became a model for overcoming adversity. People.com+3Syracuse University Athletics+3Las Vegas Aces+3
- Global Influence: Her story transcended borders—players, fans, and health advocates worldwide followed her battle, offering tributes and support in many countries. People.com+2SB Nation+2
7. Key Statistics & Records
| Category | Stat / Record |
|---|---|
| Career assists at Syracuse | 736 Reuters+1 |
| Assists per game (college) | ~8.7 Wikipedia+2Las Vegas Aces+2 |
| Free throw percentage | ~.873 as a college player Wikipedia+1 |
| NBL1 North MVP & All-Star honors | Achieved in 2022 Wikipedia+1 |