5 June 2026
By James Mullan
Norths Basketball is set to bring back Pink Round, Saturday 20 June, teaming up with Tough4T, a charity dedicated to raising vital funds for women and families navigating the challenges of cancer.
Tough4T was established in honour of Tiana Mangakahia, a professional Australian basketball player whose extraordinary courage during her breast cancer diagnosis inspired thousands across the globe. The charity’s mission is focused on supporting young women under 40 diagnosed with breast cancer, providing relief for the everyday burdens of treatment and recovery while promoting health, wellbeing, and life fulfilment.
For Renae Garlepp, Head Coach of Norths’ NBL1 Women, the cause is deeply personal. Garlepp shared a long professional and personal history with Mangakahia, having coached her at the Sydney Flames in the WNBL before the two served together as assistant coaches.
“Pink round to me, I think it’s a great opportunity to remember a special friend and just a day that’s bigger than basketball,” Garlepp said. “Tiana to me was a lot of things. I think above all else, she was an inspiration. There’s no doubt about that. She was a lot of fun.”
Garlepp believes the event serves as a testament to the power of the sport to unite people during difficult times. “Sadly, breast cancer’s affected so many people and we all know someone that’s gone through it. Everyone that comes together on that day, doesn’t really have much to do about basketball, but the coolest part is that basketball’s brought us all together,” she explained.
“I think the coolest thing about Tiana was that she was unapologetically herself. She was larger than life and that’s what I want this game to be. I want people just to come out and have heaps of fun being a part of something massive. I think that would do her really proud.”
The Pink Round will feature a double-header of NBL1 action at North Sydney Indoor Sports Centre against cross harbour rivals, Sydney Comets. The Men’s game tipping off at 5pm followed by the Women’s game at 7pm.
The club hopes the night will be a chance to connect with the surrounding community while making a meaningful impact.
“Last season showed us how well the Norths community got behind the cause, and so this year we are taking it up a notch,” the club said in a statement.