After entering the NCAA transfer portal last season, Te-Hina PaoPao’s basketball journey took a remarkable turn when she received a call that would forever alter the course of her career. That call came from none other than Dawn Staley, head coach of the top-ranked University of South Carolina women’s basketball team. Staley extended an opportunity to PaoPao to become part of a program consistently known for its elite performance and championship aspirations.
Since joining the Gamecocks, the senior guard has not only found her rhythm but has thrived, becoming one of the nation’s most accurate shooters from beyond the arc. Currently, she holds the third-highest three-point shooting percentage across the country and has helped keep South Carolina’s record spotless throughout the season. Despite the immense pressure and spotlight of playing for a powerhouse team, PaoPao remains grounded and focused, with her eyes set on capturing a National Championship.
But her journey is about more than just basketball. Hailing from Oceanside, California, and proud of her Samoan heritage, PaoPao brings her cultural identity with her wherever she goes. She credits much of her strength, discipline, and perseverance to the values instilled in her by her roots and her family. This deep connection to her ancestry fuels her not only as an athlete but as a leader on and off the court.
As March Madness approaches, PaoPao continues to reflect on what the tournament means—not just as a chance for redemption after last season’s outcome but as a moment to honor her family, culture, and the legacy she hopes to leave behind in collegiate basketball.
