COLUMBIA, SC – The headline from ESPN News perfectly encapsulates the enduring legacy of South Carolina women’s basketball under Dawn Staley: “From Columbia to the Pros — Coach Dawn Staley Is Filled with Pride as Te-Hina Paopao Lights Up the WNBA, Giving a Masterclass Performance That Sparks League-Wide Buzz, Echoes the Gamecock Spirit, and Confirms the Strength of South Carolina’s Championship Pedigree.” This isn’t just a story about one player’s success; it’s a testament to a program that consistently prepares its athletes for the highest level of the game.
Te-Hina Paopao, the sharpshooting guard who played a pivotal role in the South Carolina Gamecocks’ undefeated 2024 National Championship season, was selected 18th overall by the Atlanta Dream in the second round of the 2025 WNBA Draft. After a collegiate career that saw her transfer from Oregon to South Carolina for her final season, Paopao quickly became a fan favorite in Columbia due to her elite three-point shooting, poised leadership, and infectious energy. She led the nation in three-point percentage in 2023-24 (46.8%) and set a program record for games started, knocking down 87 threes, the third-most in school history.
Now, in her rookie WNBA season with the Atlanta Dream, Paopao has wasted no time making an impact. Despite initial skepticism from some, including playfully from Coach Staley herself about her seniors starting right away in the WNBA, Paopao has proven critics wrong. She was listed as a starter in her WNBA debut, prompting Staley to tweet, “I stand corrected!! Starting at PG @tehinapaopaoo! Let’s get it started, Pao!!”
The “masterclass performance” referenced by ESPN News is a culmination of several impactful outings in the early 2025 WNBA season. Paopao has been consistently productive for the Dream, contributing significantly off the bench and even making spot starts. Her recent stretch of games has been particularly impressive:
- June 15 vs. Washington Mystics: Paopao delivered a standout performance, tallying 16 points, 5 assists, and 1 rebound in just 17 minutes during an 89-56 win. Her efficiency and playmaking were on full display. Dawn Staley immediately took to social media after this game, exclaiming, “Can you smell what the PAO is cooking!!!! THREES!!!!”
- June 17 vs. New York Liberty: Despite a close loss for the Dream (81-86), Paopao once again had a strong showing with 16 points.
- June 22 vs. Chicago Sky: In a 93-80 victory for the Dream, Paopao hit a career-high five three-pointers and tied her career-best scoring output with 16 points.
Through 13 games played, Paopao is averaging 6.9 points, 1.9 assists, and 1.5 rebounds per game in an average of 13.3 minutes, according to recent stats. What truly stands out are her shooting percentages: she is shooting an incredible 57.1% from the field and an astounding 57.1% from beyond the arc, which leads the entire WNBA. Her efficiency and ability to stretch the floor are invaluable assets for the Atlanta Dream, who currently boast a strong 10-4 record (as of June 23, 2025).
For Coach Dawn Staley, seeing her former players thrive in the professional ranks is a source of immense pride. Staley, a WNBA legend and Hall of Famer herself, understands the transition from college to professional basketball better than almost anyone. Her philosophy at South Carolina emphasizes not just winning championships, but also preparing her athletes for successful careers beyond college.
Staley has always maintained that her program develops “pros,” and Paopao’s immediate impact is a direct reflection of that. Staley frequently praises Paopao’s ability to “elevate the team” and her “playmaking” skills. “When Pao hits a 3-pointer, it allows all of us to exhale because she’s been that potent for us from an offensive standpoint,” Staley once said during Paopao’s time at South Carolina. That potent offensive threat has seamlessly transitioned to the WNBA.
The “Gamecock Spirit” that Paopao embodies is evident in her relentless work ethic, her composure in high-pressure situations, and her unwavering confidence – all hallmarks of Dawn Staley’s program. This spirit is a key factor in why South Carolina continues to produce WNBA talent at an elite rate.
The success of former Gamecocks in the WNBA is a clear indicator of the strength of South Carolina’s “championship pedigree.” The 2025 WNBA Draft saw three South Carolina players selected in the second round: Paopao (18th overall), Bree Hall (20th overall by the Indiana Fever), and Sania Feagin (21st overall by the Los Angeles Sparks). They join an impressive roster of former Gamecocks already making their mark in the league, including two-time WNBA MVP A’ja Wilson (Las Vegas Aces), Aliyah Boston (Indiana Fever), Tyasha Harris (Dallas Wings), Allisha Gray (Atlanta Dream), Mikiah Herbert Harrigan (Dallas Wings), Tiffany Mitchell (Las Vegas Aces), Laeticia Amihere (Golden State Valkyries), Zia Cooke (Seattle Storm), and Kamilla Cardoso (Chicago Sky). The sheer number and quality of South Carolina alumni in the WNBA underscore the program’s consistent ability to develop talent that translates to the highest level.
Paopao’s “masterclass performance” is not just individual brilliance; it “sparks league-wide buzz” because it validates the quality of talent emerging from the collegiate ranks, particularly from championship programs like South Carolina. It shows that players who buy into Staley’s system and embrace the “Gamecock Spirit” are well-equipped to face the challenges of professional basketball.
As Te-Hina Paopao continues to light up the WNBA, she stands as a shining example of Dawn Staley’s unparalleled coaching ability and the enduring strength of the South Carolina women’s basketball program. Her success resonates deeply in Columbia, reminding everyone that the Gamecocks are not just building champions on the court, but also preparing them to be stars in the pros.
