Tiana Mangakahia, a former women’s basketball standout at Syracuse, has retired from basketball after being diagnosed with a recurrence of cancer.
The Brisbane, Australia, native announced her retirement Sunday on social media. After competing for Syracuse from 2017 to 2021, she returned to Australia to play professionally.
In June 2019, during her time at Syracuse, Mangakahia was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma. She stayed in Syracuse for treatment, having a double mastectomy and reconstructive surgery. After being declared cancer free, she returned to play 20 games during the 2020-21 season.
She averaged 15.8 points, 8.7 assists and 4.1 rebounds during her three years playing for the Orange.
I’m very lucky to have the best family and support system as I tackle this next phase of my life. 🖤 pic.twitter.com/k04IFsileB
— Tiana Mangakahia (@Tianamanga) June 5, 2023
“Without going into too much detail, I have recently been diagnosed with stage IV cancer, which has spread into other areas of my body,” Mangakahia posted Sunday. “Sadly, I have been informed by specialists it’s time for me to retire and think about life after being a professional athlete.
“While my basketball journey on court has come to a close, this won’t be the last time you see me involved in 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.”
Mangakahia intends to pursue a career in coaching, she said Sunday.
“The experiences I have endured and the amount of joy this amazing sport has brought me is too overwhelming to explain,” she wrote. “I would like to thank everyone who has been a part of my journey. There have been ups and downs throughout my career and life. I know regardless of this horrible disease, I will continue to be ME and surround myself with those who love and support me.
“Cancer does scare me, but not living my life to the fullest scares me even more.”
Kamilla Cardoso is going to South Carolina.
The ACC Freshman of the Year is leaving Syracuse to join the SEC champion Gamecocks for the 2021-22 season.
As a freshman for the Orange, Cardoso averaged 13.6 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 2.7 blocks per game, earning several prestigious honors like ACC Co-Defender of the Year.
Let's run it back, @Kamillascsilva ‼️
— ACC Women's Basketball (@accwbb) February 1, 2021
Kamilla Cardoso repeats as Freshman of the Week after averaging 14.5 pts, 7.5 reb and 6.5 blk per game last week for @CuseWBB 👏 pic.twitter.com/ewAT27PaGn
Cardoso is part of an unprecedented postseason mass exodus from Syracuse that saw 12 players enter the transfer portal.
Speculation has circulated that conflict between coaches and players over COVID-19 protocols played a role in the high roster turnover.
Per the NCAA’s change in eligibility rules because of the pandemic, Cardoso will have up to four years of eligibility remaining upon signing with South Carolina.
The Brazilian center will be joining an already loaded Gamecocks roster.
Eleven players from last year’s team, which made a Final Four run in the NCAA Tournament, return to South Carolina next season. Gamecocks head coach Dawn Stanley will also welcome a top-ranked freshman recruiting class to her dominant lineup.
With Cardoso adding to that depth of talent, the team will be a heavy championship favorite in 2021-22.