Heartfelt tributes have been made in the wake of the death of Australian basketball player Tiana Mangakahia from cancer at the age of 30.
Mangakahia was a former Opals and Sydney Flames player before going to the US in 2017 to play college basketball for Syracuse University.
The Queenslander was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2019, while playing for Syracuse and having just been selected in the Opals’ wider Olympic squad. She underwent chemotherapy, a double mastectomy and reconstructive surgery to overcome the cancer, before returning for a third basketball season in the US.
Following this, Mangakahia played a stint in the WNBL with the Sydney Flames until another cancer diagnosis that led her into playing retirement and then coaching.
On Saturday, Mangakahia’s family announced her passing, sharing the news on social media.
“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.”
Her family described Mangakahia as “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. Though 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. We love you endlessly, Tiana, and will miss you always.”
Before her passing, Mangakahia did return to the court this year, to play for Southern District Spartans in NBL1, with Basketball Australia saying in a statement that this “was a powerful reflection of her strength, determination and enduring love for the game”.
“Tiana inspired us all with her courage and resilience as she faced a second battle with breast cancer,” said Basketball Australia, adding that they encourage everyone in the sport affected by this loss to “lean on their support networks and each other during this difficult time”.
“Forever and Opal,” the statement said.
Also among those to leave tributes for Mangakahia were Opals great Lauren Jackson, Australian Olympic white-water champion Jessica Fox and WNBA star Paige Bueckers.
Leaving a lasting legacy, Mangakahia was known to give back to the community, such as raising funds for the McGrath Foundation, a charity supporting those fighting cancer.
In lieu of flowers for her memory, Mangakahia’s family has posted asking those mourning her loss to consider donating to the McGrath Foundation, writing: “This cause is very close to our hearts, and a contribution made in her honour would mean so much.”
Before her passing, Mangakahia had taken to social media to share news of her declining health, noting that she was spending as much time as possible with family and close friends.
“Thank you for walking this path with me. Your love and strength carry me through more than you know,” she had written.