CSC Women to Watch: Olivia Coiro - Syracuse University

This is part of our 2026-27 CSC Women to Watch series, a series which spotlights a variety of female members in our association. CSC Women is a College Sports Communicators (CSC) Member Resource Community, dedicated to serving the women in the athletics communications and creative field. CSC Women aims to encourage, empower and educate, while providing a positive and united presence for women in our field, both veterans and newcomers, and serving as their collective voice.

Cancer does not discriminate based on age, race, gender, or athletic ability. When former Syracuse women's basketball player Tiana Mangakahia was diagnosed with Stage 2, Grade 3 invasive ductal carcinoma (breast cancer) in June 2019, she was coming off an excellent season for the Orange. The previous season she was named an AP and WBCA All-America Honorable Mention honors, was named to the All-ACC First Team, and broke the program record for career assists. She was on top of her game and looking to lead the Orange back to the NCAA Tournament.

Assistant Director of Athletic Communications Olivia Coiro remembers when Tiana came into her office in June, shortly after Coiro returned from a convention.

"She texted me and said she wanted to swing by my office. When she came in, she mentioned having found a lump in her chest."

Coiro told her to get it checked by the trainers, and Mangakahia then went for more tests. The results were due to come in on Tuesday, and after not hearing from her, Coiro called her.

"Liv, I have cancer," she said, words that Coiro never expected to hear.

Coiro describes herself as not being a traditional SID. She tries to get to know her athletes on a personal level, not just by their numbers and statistics. She believes in having conversations with her athletes about things outside of sports.

"Tiana and I had a very natural relationship that got stronger after her diagnosis."

That bond allowed Coiro to earn her trust when her story needed to be told.

"I told her that her story needed to be told. That speaking about things that are hard to speak about will help people."

The two then wrote an "I Have Cancer" letter and filmed her reading it on camera. Mangakahia hated the video, so they pivoted to a written statement and a press conference, which received national attention.

Mangakahia stayed in Syracuse for her treatment with Coiro by her side. Coiro worked with the compliance office to launch a GoFundMe while helping her navigate doctor's appointments and adjusting to her new reality.

Coiro credits former supervisor Sue Edson with helping her through the situation as well.

"I'd be at treatments with her, doing work while waiting. Whatever she needed, I'd be there."

Through it all, Mangakahia remained upbeat, always showing the world her positivity. Finally, on Nov. 29, 2020, she made her return to the court in a road game against Stony Brook.

"I remember her warming up with pink bands in her braids and being like, 'Wow, I never thought I'd see this again.'"

She finished with a team-high 16 points in 37 minutes, along with seven rebounds, four steals, and three assists.

After going undrafted, she signed a training camp contract with the Phoenix Mercury of the WNBA but went on to play professionally overseas.
"She was having the time of her life over there," Coiro said.

But then she started experiencing chest pains, and after going back to the doctors, she learned the cancer had spread and was terminal. She retired from basketball, the only thing she had ever wanted to do. Later, she came out of retirement to play for her hometown team as the cancer continued to make her sicker. She played until she no longer could.

"I was so proud of her."

Mangakahia called Coiro often during the summer, often not realizing the time difference.

"I didn't realize it then," Coiro said, "but she kept calling and trying to say goodbye, but didn't know how to."

The two eventually said goodbye without ever actually saying goodbye.

Mangakahia passed away in a hospice facility on Sept. 11, a day before Coiro's birthday. Syracuse had a home football game against Colgate that Friday night, and Coiro was on the field during the pregame tribute.

The next day, she got the number four, Mangakahia’s number, tattooed on her wrist.

In describing Mangakahia, Coiro said, "I never saw anyone play like her. She had the best court vision I have ever seen. She was brave, silly, and fun."

"I'm glad it was me there with her through this."

Coiro urges everyone to get checked and not to wait if something feels off, noting that she waited only a few weeks after feeling her first lump. Additionally, she hopes everyone can learn from her and treat others with kindness, because you never know the impact you can have on someone's life.

Always stay Tough4T.