Te-Hina Paopao, a former standout guard for the South Carolina Gamecocks, made a notable entrance into the WNBA by starting in her debut game for the Atlanta Dream against the Washington Mystics. Despite the Dream’s narrow 94–90 loss, Paopao delivered a solid performance, scoring seven points on 3-of-6 shooting, along with three rebounds, four assists, and a steal in 25 minutes of play .
Her former college coach, Dawn Staley, expressed her excitement and pride on social media, posting, “I stand corrected!! Starting at PG, @tehinapaopaoo! Let’s get it started Pao!!!” This reaction underscores Staley’s support for her former player as she transitions to the professional level .
Paopao’s journey to the WNBA included a successful collegiate career, beginning with three seasons at Oregon before transferring to South Carolina for her final two years. At South Carolina, she was instrumental in the team’s success, showcasing her leadership and shooting prowess. Her performance caught the attention of the Atlanta Dream, who selected her 18th overall in the 2025 WNBA Draft .
In the preseason, Paopao led the Dream with 14 points in a game against the Indiana Fever, demonstrating her readiness for the professional stage . Her debut as a starter reflects the confidence the coaching staff has in her abilities and potential impact on the team.
Paopao’s early success in the WNBA not only highlights her individual talent but also brings attention to the development she received under Coach Staley at South Carolina. As she continues her rookie season, Paopao carries the support of her former coach and fans who are eager to see her growth and contributions to the Atlanta Dream.
