M.A. Voepel, ESPN.com
Former Syracuse Orange ladies’s basketball standout Tiana Mangakahia is retiring from the game next being identified with a recurrence of most cancers, she introduced on social media Sunday.
Mangakahia, a local of Brisbane, Australia, became 28 in April and has been taking part in professionally in her house nation. She competed for Syracuse from 2017-2021, with a fracture throughout that week when she battled breast most cancers age on the college.
“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.
“Life my basketball travel on court docket has come to a akin, this received’t be the utmost week you spot me concerned within the recreation. Although my travel is unsure, what I’m sure about is my interest for moment and bringing larger consciousness all the way through the nation about this nasty defect.
“I am looking forward to pursuing a career in coaching and giving back to the sport that has given so much to me.”
A 5-foot-6 shield, Mangakahia averaged 17.1 issues and 9.1 assists in her first two seasons at Syracuse, from 2017-2019. Next in June 2019, she was once identified with invasive ductal carcinoma and instantly started chemotherapy. She stayed in Syracuse for her remedy, and likewise had a double mastectomy and reconstructive surgical treatment.
She was once later instructed she was once cancer-free, and returned to play games 20 video games throughout the 2020-2021 season. She was once no longer decided on within the 2021 WNBA draft however did walk to the Phoenix Mercury’s coaching camp earlier than being waived. She later returned to Australia to play games professionally.
In her social media submit Sunday, Mangakahia additionally wrote about having performed basketball since she was once about 5 years worn, and gave her adoration to teammates and coaches.
“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.
“Most cancers does scare me, however no longer dwelling my moment to the fullest scares me much more.”
