Syracuse Point Guard Fighting Breast Cancer

Syracuse senior point guard Tiana Mangakahia announced she has breast cancer, but said she will fight and come back stronger.

The 24-year-old from Australia posted the news on her team’s website Monday. She said she found a lump on her breast last month and was diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer (Grade 3 Invasive Ductal Carcinoma) on June 18. She starts chemotherapy this Friday.

“This is just the beginning for me and I will come out stronger. I have much more to accomplish and I hope to inspire others to overcome their own adversity just like I know I will."

Coach Quentin Hillsman tweeted a picture with Mangakahia and the hashtag #Tough4T, saying she is a "tough lady" and a "grinder."

Earlier this year, Mangakahia chose to finish her final year at Syracuse and wait on the WNBA draft. She said in her statement that her focus has now shifted to battling and winning her fight against cancer.