She belongs: Dawn Staley Shows Love to Paopao After She Makes Atlanta Dream Roster………….. more details

In a moment that combined pride, joy, and the enduring power of mentorship, South Carolina head coach **Dawn Staley** took to social media and press outlets this week to celebrate the success of her former player, **Te-Hina Paopao**, who officially made the Atlanta Dream’s 2025 WNBA roster.

The announcement, made by the Dream early Monday morning, confirmed that Paopao had survived training camp cuts and impressed coaches enough to secure a coveted roster spot. With only 12 teams and limited slots in the WNBA, making a roster is no small feat — especially for rookies entering an ultra-competitive league.

Dawn Staley wasted no time in sharing her admiration and affection for her former guard. In a tweet that quickly went viral, Staley wrote:

She belongs. Always has. Always will. @TehinaPaopao — you’ve earned everything coming your way. You made us proud every single day.

The tweet was accompanied by a photo of Staley embracing Paopao following South Carolina’s Senior Night last season a poignant reminder of how brief yet meaningful their journey together had been.

Paopao joined South Carolina as a graduate transfer in 2023 after playing three seasons at Oregon. She was seen as a key veteran addition to a Gamecocks team that had lost several star players to the WNBA. Known for her three-point shooting, poise, and court vision, she quickly became a central figure in the team’s offense.

During the 2023–24 season, Paopao averaged 11.4 points, 3.9 assists, and shot 44% from three-point range, helping lead the Gamecocks to the **Final Four**. While her on-court stats were impressive, it was her leadership and composure that drew praise from teammates and coaches alike.

“She walked into our program and immediately elevated everyone around her,” Staley said during last season. “She’s a quiet killer on the court, and an incredible person off of it.

Despite being selected in the **second round of the WNBA Draft**, Paopao was considered a borderline roster candidate due to the WNBA’s tight team limits. However, her ability to stretch the floor, protect the ball, and play both guard spots gave her an edge in Atlanta’s competitive training camp.

Atlanta Dream head coach **Tanisha Wright** commented on Paopao’s readiness:

Te-Hina came in with a pro mindset. She understands spacing, tempo, and reads the game well. She’s coachable, tough, and fits our system perfectly.

Dawn Staley’s influence on her players is well known, but her relationship with Paopao is especially unique given the short time they worked together. Despite only one season at South Carolina, their bond grew quickly. Staley routinely referred to Paopao as “one of the most mature guards I’ve ever coached.”

Off the court, Staley emphasized values like leadership, accountability, and sisterhood — qualities that Paopao now carries into her professional career.

Coach Staley believed in me from the start,” Paopao said during her post-draft interview. “She taught me to be confident, to trust myself, and to always remember why I play. I wouldn’t be here without her.

Paopao’s WNBA debut is expected later this month, and excitement is growing among fans who followed her journey from Oregon to South Carolina and now to Atlanta. For Dawn Staley, the moment is more than just a professional win — it’s a personal affirmation of the relationships she builds and the lives she touches.

“She’s a Gamecock for life,” Staley said. And now, she’s a WNBA pro. She belongs no question about it.

As Te-Hina Paopao steps onto the biggest stage in women’s basketball, she carries with her the pride of her coach, the support of her teammates, and the belief that she truly belongs — not just in the league, but at the center of its future.