Former Syracuse star Mangakahia dies at 30 after cancer battle - ESPN

Tiana Mangakahia, a former Syracuse star who played professional basketball in Russia, France and her home country of Australia, has died after a long battle with cancer, her family announced Friday. She was 30.

«We are heartbroken to share the passing of our beautiful Tiana Mangakahia,» her family wrote on her social media account. «She left us on [Thursday], 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.»

Mangakahia was diagnosed in June 2019 and went through eight rounds of chemotherapy and two operations. She put her WNBA ambitions on hold in April of that year and chose to return to Syracuse for her final year of eligibility.

«Syracuse Athletics mourns the passing of Tiana Mangakahia,» Syracuse director of athletics John Wildhack said in a statement. «Tiana defined courage, inspiration and passion. An All-American on the basketball court, she was an even better person off the court.»

Our Orange family mourns the loss of Tiana Mangakahia, who passed away on Sept. 11, at the age of 30. She was a fierce competitor with an infectious personality.

Our hearts are with the Mangakahia family & all those who loved her. May we never forget her fight. <a href=«https://twitter.com/hashtag/Tough4T?src=hash&ref_src=» https:>#Tough4T