South Carolina women’s basketball head coach Dawn Staley recently expressed her pride and support for former Gamecock standout Te-Hina Paopao, who was selected by the Atlanta Dream with the 18th overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft. Paopao’s journey from Oregon to South Carolina has been marked by growth, leadership, and a renewed passion for the game, all of which contributed to her achieving her dream of playing in the WNBA.([On3][1], [SBNation.com][2])

**A Transformative Journey**

Te-Hina Paopao began her collegiate career at the University of Oregon, where she earned All-Pac-12 honors each season and became known for her scoring ability and leadership on the court. However, after three seasons, Paopao sought a new challenge and transferred to South Carolina to play under Coach Staley. This move proved to be a turning point in her career.([dream.wnba.com][3])

At South Carolina, Paopao’s game flourished. She played a pivotal role in leading the Gamecocks to an undefeated national championship season in 2023-24, earning All-American honors and setting a program record for games started in a single season. Her exceptional three-point shooting, averaging 46.8% from beyond the arc, was a standout feature of her game. ([dream.wnba.com][3], [On3][4])

**Coach Staley’s Influence**

Coach Staley has been instrumental in Paopao’s development, both as a player and as a person. Staley’s mentorship helped Paopao rediscover her love for basketball and refine her skills. “She’s had a great impact on my life on and off the court,” Paopao remarked. “On the court, she’s a mastermind on the basketball and she knows what she’s doing.” ([AOL][5])

Staley praised Paopao’s adaptability and work ethic, noting her improvement in defensive play and her ability to adjust her game as needed. “She’s comfortable and there is nothing like comfort,” Staley commented. “She knows the shots that we’re setting her up for, she has met us halfway with the ability to defend, I’m really impressed with her defense and then her ability to adjust.” ([Sportskeeda][6])

**A Bright Future Ahead**

Paopao’s selection in the WNBA Draft is a testament to her hard work, resilience, and the guidance she received at South Carolina. As she embarks on her professional career with the Atlanta Dream, Paopao carries with her the lessons learned and the confidence gained during her time under Coach Staley’s tutelage. Her journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes, demonstrating the power of perseverance and the impact of strong mentorship.([SBNation.com][2], [Swish Appeal][7])

Coach Staley’s continued support for Paopao underscores the enduring bond between mentor and mentee, highlighting the positive influence of collegiate athletics on personal and professional development.

As Paopao steps onto the WNBA stage, she does so with the backing of a coach who believes in her potential and a legacy of excellence that she continues to uphold.

South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley has helped develop numerous elite WNBA players ever since she joined the Gamecocks’ program in 2008. Among these are stars like A’ja Wilson, Aliyah Boston, Allisha Gray, and Kamilla Cardoso.

However, in recent years, some fans have tried to call Staley out for not being as good at developing guards as she is with post players (aside from Allisha Gray). Two former South Carolina guards who were selected in the 2025 WNBA Draft (Bree Hall and Te-Hina Paopao) offered the opportunity to fix that narrative.

While Bree Hall was cut by the Indiana Fever last week, it was announced on May 14 that Paopao (who traded highlight shots with Caitlin Clark during the Atlanta Dream’s May 10 preseason game against the Indiana Fever) made the Dream roster.

Paopao celebrated this accomplishment with an X post of her holding a bedazzled basketball with the dream logo with the caption, “LETS GET 2️⃣ ITTTTTT !”

Staley commented on this post one day later, writing, “Congrats Pao! You look comfortable! You look like you belong! You look like a dream come true! Way to make us all proud….your family and it’s a lot of them and of course @GamecockWBB and FAMs!! We can’t wait to see you play! GOD on 3!”