Mangakahia honoured to be acknowledged by Flames members
Tiana Mangakahia has not only been one of the stories of the Sydney Flames’ 2022-23 season but also across the whole WNBL.
Her impact on the court, especially at the back end of the season, has seen her named in the Australian Opals train-on squad for the 2023 Olympic Games in Paris.
Further to that, the Syracuse alum took out the Flames’ Members Player of the Year at the recent Hoops Capital awards night – highlighting the impact she’s made all around the country.
“This award means a lot to me,” said Mangakahia, who was the driving force behind the Flames’ first-ever Pink Round, which raised more than $20,000 for the McGrath Foundation.
“Whenever I step out on the court, I not only play for my teammates and coaches but I play for all the members and so I’m grateful I have received this award.
“Every game I push till the very end and I try my hardest, so they [the members] can enjoy the game.”
The Sydney Kings and Sydney Flames are set to build their own centre of excellence in Lidcombe with a $15 million cash injection from the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government.
All the details in our latest article: https://t.co/B2vvpO44yf pic.twitter.com/m4TGHXrs3o
— Sydney Flames (@TheSydneyFlames) March 1, 2023
The awards evening marked Queensland product Mangakahia’s first with the Hoops Capital club – one which she thoroughly enjoyed at The Waterview.
“It [the night] was a lot of fun getting to know the sponsors and members who support us throughout the season,” the 27-year-old said.
“I thought it was an awesome evening and I enjoyed it a lot.”
Next up for Mangakahia and her Flames is their WNBL23 season finale in Melbourne, where they’ll battle the Boomers from 1pm AEDT Sunday – with the game being broadcast live on 9Now.