Fever Star Sophie Cunningham Sends Message on Death of Former Teammate

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Paolo Songco | Last updated Sep 12, 2025 11:00 AM ET

Before Sophie Cunningham made waves with the Indiana Fever this season, the 6-foot-1 guard spent the first six years of her WNBA career with the Phoenix Mercury

It was during her spell in Phoenix that she crossed paths with Tiana Mangakahia. Cunningham and Mangakahia were teammates for a brief period after the latter signed a training camp contract with the Mercury in 2021.

Mangakahia, a two-time All-ACC guard from Syracuse, went undrafted in 2021. Her time in Phoenix would not last long either, with the team opting to waive her before the start of the season.

On Thursday, Mangakahia’s family announced via Instagram that the former SU standout has passed away after succumbing to a second bout of breast cancer. She was 30.

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A post shared by Tiana Mangakahia (@tiana_mangakahia)

Cunningham caught wind of the tragic news. The Fever star dropped a comment on the announcement post, expressing one of her fondest memories of her former teammate.

“She was always so sweet with the brightest smile❤️,” Cunningham wrote.

Mangakahia was first diagnosed with cancer in 2019, while she was still with Syracuse. She underwent treatment and was able to return to finish out her collegiate career. After failing to make the cut in the WNBA, the 5-foot-6 guard headed home to her native Australia, where she played professionally in the Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL).

Mangakahia’s cancer returned in 2023, and she ultimately succumbed to the disease two years later.

Cunningham may not have had a long-term relationship with Mangakahia, but it is clear that the Fever guard remembers her former teammate fondly.

As for Cunningham, she is currently rehabbing a season-ending knee injury. She will not be able to join her Fever teammates on the court for their upcoming WNBA playoffs first-round matchup against the Atlanta Dream, but the 29-year-old will be doing everything she can to support them off the court.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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