🏀 “DREAMING WITHOUT WALLS: TE‑HINA PAOPAO LEAPS OVER LIMITS WITH GAMECOCK GRIT” WHY THIS STORY MATTERS
Te‑Hina Paopao is quickly becoming a WNBA sensation after a stellar rise from college despite significant setbacks. Here’s why fans everywhere—especially the Gamecock Sisters—should be celebrating:
1. From Underdog to Rising Star
Born August 21, 2002, Paopao overcame back-to-back ACL tears in high school to become California Ms. Basketball and a McDonald’s All-American .
At Oregon, she earned All‑Pac‑12 honors before transferring to South Carolina, where she shot an NCAA-best 46.8% from three and helped deliver an undefeated national title in 2024 .
2. WNBA Debut & Electric Start
Drafted 18th overall by the Atlanta Dream in April 2025, joining former Gamecock Allisha Gray .
She’s already crossed 100 career points as a rookie .
3. Clutch Performer & Bench Spark
On June 22, Paopao buried two critical threes to lift the Dream past the Chicago Sky, finishing with 16 points—her third 16-point game of the year .
Coaches say she is “earning the trust of her teammates” with her quick release and relentless intensity .
4. Rivalry & Swagger
In a May preseason showdown, she squared off with Caitlin Clark—dropping 14 points, swatting a block, and trading step-back threes with the Fever star .
Her quote says it all: “I had to get that lick back” after Clark’s triple—showing her competitive fire .
5. Perfect Fit & Bright Future
Analyst Cat Ariail describes Paopao as a “controlled variable” in Atlanta’s 3‑point-heavy system—a sharpshooter and playmaker the Dream can always rely on .
Her combination of shooting, vision, and leadership stands out—especially under coach Karl Smesko’s innovative offense .
💬 Feature Quote from Paopao
> “Anything’s possible, you gotta dream like you’ve never seen obstacles.” 🤍
— Te‑Hina Paopao
Those words reflect not only her journey—from serious injuries to NCAA champion to WNBA rookie—but also the spirit she continues to bring to every game.
🔍 What’s Next?
Watch her step off the bench and turn games in Atlanta.
Keep an eye on the Gamecocks–Gamecocks rivalry now playing out in pro arenas—especially her head-to-head moments with former teammates like Sania Feagin .
Expect her to keep climbing—more three‑point barrages, expanding her role, and etching her name into WNBA rookie lore.
Final Word
From her hometown in Oceanside to college stardom and now WNBA promise, Te‑Hina Paopao lives her mantra. With every game, she proves: anything truly is possible—if you dream past the obstacles.
📣 Gamecock Sisters and Paopao & Gray fans, get ready. Te‑Hina is just getting started, and the best part of her story is still unfolding.
