The Rise of Te-Hina Paopao: A Rookie's Journey in the WNBA
Te-Hina Paopao, a former South Carolina women's basketball star, found herself in a unique and promising situation as she embarked on her professional career. Drafted by the Atlanta Dream in 2025, Paopao joined a team eager to turn their fortunes around after a challenging six-year stretch. With a new head coach, Karl Smesko, at the helm, the Dream experienced a remarkable turnaround, achieving their best-ever season with a 30-14 record.
"It was an incredible experience," Paopao shared. "As a rookie, I felt incredibly fortunate to be part of such a fresh and dynamic team. We all learned and grew together, and I couldn't have asked for a better environment. Atlanta and the organization made me feel right at home."
During her rookie year, Paopao primarily played a supporting role, learning from the likes of Allisha Gray, a fellow South Carolina alum and an All-WNBA player. In 43 games, she started 15 times, averaging 16.7 minutes per game. Her scoring average stood at 5.8 points per game, with impressive shooting percentages of 44% from the field and 38.6% from beyond the arc.
While the transition to the WNBA was smoother thanks to her South Carolina experience, Paopao highlighted the physicality of the league as a significant challenge. "The pace and intensity were no surprise, but playing against seasoned professionals was an adjustment. I knew I had to hit the weight room hard during the offseason to match their physicality."
Offseason Choices: A Different Path
Many WNBA players opt to play overseas during the offseason, but Paopao chose a different route. Instead of heading abroad, she joined the Athletes Unlimited league in Nashville, Tennessee. "Staying in the States was a priority for me," Paopao explained. "I'm grateful for the opportunity to play here, unlike many before me who had to go overseas. The five-on-five format also appealed to me as a way to improve my game."
In Athletes Unlimited, Paopao has averaged 6.2 points across six games, playing around 20 minutes per contest. She's also working on her assists, currently averaging 2.7 per game, and grabbing two rebounds. Paopao sees this as an opportunity to refine her point guard skills.
"I played some point guard last year, and I want to focus on that role this offseason. It's about making those tough passes, reading the game better, and improving my basketball IQ. I've been working on my pace off ball screens, and defensively, I feel like I've made some great strides too."
And here's where it gets interesting: Paopao isn't alone in Athletes Unlimited. She's joined by three other former Gamecocks, creating a strong South Carolina connection. "It's a special bond," she said. "Being able to play with and learn from these talented women is a blessing."
So, what's next for Te-Hina Paopao? With her unique path and a focus on improvement, she's set to make an even bigger impact in her second WNBA season. Don't miss her journey!
