The basketball community is rallying around star Sydney Flames guard Tiana Mangakahia after she was forced to retire due to an ongoing battle with breast cancer.
Mangakahia celebrated three years cancer free in November last year, but was recently diagnosed with stage-four cancer that’s spread to other areas of her body.
The devastating news has left the Brisbane native with no choice but to hang up the sneakers to focus on her health despite an impressive maiden WNBL season with the Flames.
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Mangakahia, 28, made the announcement via her social channels on Monday, saying she has been advised to think about life “after being a professional athlete”.
“Sadly, I have been informed by specialists it’s time for me to retire,” said Mangakahia, who averaged 13.1 points and shot 86.5 per cent from the field in 20 games for the Flames last season.
“Without going into too much detail I have recently been diagnosed with stage IV breast cancer which has spread into other areas of my body.
“Growing up, it was my dream to get paid to play basketball, and I am so grateful that I was able to achieve this.
“I want to thank everyone who has been a part of my journey – I’ve had so many great teammates and coaches who have taught me many fantastic life lessons.
“There have been ups and downs throughout my career and life.
“I know that regardless of this horrible disease, I will continue to be me and surround myself with those who love and support me.”
Mangakahia had high hopes for the future given she was cancer free, fit and firing.
The Queensland born and raised guard was first diagnosed with breast cancer as a 23-year-old in 2019.
Mangakahia’s life was turned upside down when she discovered a lump on her left breast while showering, shortly after being named in the Australian Opals’ preliminary Olympic squad.
She was playing for Syracuse University in New York State at the time and remained in America for chemotherapy and surgery before returning to Australia during the coronavirus pandemic.
Mangakahia made a successful return to college basketball in 2020 with Syracuse, where she had previously excelled to secure an All-America honourable mention.
She went undrafted in the 2021 WNBA draft, paving the way for a return home to play NBL1 with the Northside Wizards before joining the Flames.
Mangakahia concedes her journey moving forward is “uncertain”, but she revealed plans to stay involved in basketball via coaching.
The 28-year-old, who won a bronze medal for the Opals at the 2021 FIBA Asia Cup, wants to pass on her knowledge from the sideline.
“Cancer does scare me but not living life to its full potential scares me even more,” she said.
“While my basketball journey on the court has come to a close, this won’t be the last time you see me involved with the sport.
“Even though my journey is uncertain, what I am certain about is my passion for life and bringing greater awareness throughout the community about this nasty disease.
“I am looking forward to pursuing a career in coaching and giving back to the sport that has given so much to me.”
Mangakahia has been flooded with personal messages of support since taking to social media on Monday morning to share her cancer diagnosis.
Rival clubs, including Bendigo and Perth, offered their well wishes for the 28-year-old Flames guard.
Former South East Melbourne Phoenix coach Simon Mitchell also took to Twitter to pass on his best wishes to Mangakahia.
“Awful news, she was so impressive in the second half of last season,” Mitchell said.
“Hoops future looked so very bright, especially considering what she had overcome.
“Wishing her all the best in her battles ahead and hopes for a full recovery.”
Flames CEO Chris Pongrass said the club is devastated by the news and will continue to support Mangakahia.
“It is hard to express how important Tiana has been for this organisation,” Pongrass said.
“This news is truly devastating, and we share our thoughts, prayers and love with Tiana and her family.
“The Flames will continue to support Tiana throughout the next stage in her career; she will always be part of the Flames family and we are excited to help her continue to grow and develop in basketball”.
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