Former South Carolina women’s basketball standout Te-Hina Paopao has secured her spot on the Atlanta Dream’s roster for the upcoming 2025 WNBA season. This marks a significant achievement for the 5-foot-9 shooting guard who made headlines when she was the first player from the Gamecocks to be drafted this year, going No. 18 overall in the second round.
Paopao, who played two seasons under coach Dawn Staley after transferring from Oregon, demonstrated impressive stats during her final season at South Carolina, averaging 9.4 points and 2.8 assists per game. She notably improved her steals average from 0.8 to 1.1, and her assists led the team, reflecting her crucial role in the Gamecocks’ lineup.
With roster finalizations required by May 15, the competition for the 156 available spots among the league’s 13 teams has been fierce. Paopao’s inclusion is particularly notable following the release of her fellow Gamecock Bree Hall by the Indiana Fever earlier in May. Sania Feagin, another former teammate, also made a successful transition to the WNBA, joining the Los Angeles Sparks.
Expressing pride in her players’ achievements, Coach Staley took to social media to congratulate Paopao for her success. Staley highlighted Paopao’s readiness and belonging on the team, rallying support from both her family and the Gamecock community.
In her preseason debut against the Indiana Fever, Paopao showcased her skills by leading the Dream in scoring with 14 points, shooting an impressive 5-for-6 from the field and 3-for-4 from beyond the arc. She joins veteran Allisha Gray, another former player under Staley, on the Dream’s roster, further emphasizing Staley’s influence on her players even in the professional realm.
This accomplishment sets a positive tone for Paopao as she embarks on her professional career, and it amplifies the strength of the South Carolina women’s basketball program in the WNBA. The support from Staley and the familial bond within the Gamecocks community may inspire further successes as the season progresses.