Cancer diagnosis forces WNBL basketballer Tiana Mangakahia to retire

Cancer diagnosis forces WNBL basketballer Tiana Mangakahia to retire

Sydney Flames guard Tiana Mangakahia has been pressured to retire prematurely from basketball as she faces one other battle with breast most cancers.

The 28-year-old introduced on Monday that she had been identified with stage 4 breast most cancers and had been suggested by specialists to finish her enjoying profession.

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It comes after the previous US school basketball star with Syracuse University overcame an preliminary breast most cancers prognosis in 2019 to return to play the next 12 months.

Mangakahia joined the Sydney Flames in 2022 on a two-year deal and was the aspect’s third highest scorer final season, averaging 13 factors throughout 20 appearances.

In an announcement on her social media accounts, she stated she wished to pursue a training profession within the sport.

“I never thought I’d be writing this until I was ready to have children with my future husband,” Mangakahia stated.

“However, here we go … basketball has been a part of my life for the past 23 years.

“The experiences I have endured and the amount of joy this amazing sport has brought me are too overwhelming to explain.

“Without going into too much detail I have recently been diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer which has spread into other areas of my body.

“Sadly, I have been informed by specialists it’s time for me to retire and think about life after being a professional athlete.”

Mangakahia thanked her teammates and coaches and stated she would encompass herself with “those who love and support me”.

Flames chief govt Chris Pongrass stated the membership was devastated by the news and would proceed to assist Mangakahia.

“It is hard to express how important Tiana has been for this organisation,” Pongrass stated.

“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.”

Read associated subjects:Sydney

Source: www.news.com.au