SYDNEY: Tiana Mangakahia, a former star for the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) and a celebrated Australian basketball player, has passed away at the age of 30 after a long battle with cancer.

Her family confirmed her death on social media, sparking an outpouring of tributes from the global basketball community.

Mangakahia was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2019. She underwent a rigorous treatment regimen that included chemotherapy, a double mastectomy, and surgery.

Despite the daunting challenge, she made a remarkable comeback to the sport in 2021, playing for Syracuse University in the U.S. However, her health struggles were not over, as the cancer returned with renewed intensity in 2023, forcing her into retirement from the game.

In a surprising turn of events this past June, Mangakahia briefly returned to the court for the NBL1 team Southern Districts Spartans, inspiring fans and teammates alike.

Unfortunately, her illness forced her to step away from the sport for good. She last played on September 3, and tragically passed away a week later, surrounded by her family and close friends. Her passing is a significant loss to the basketball world.