South Carolina Coach Dawn Staley Proudly Applauds Te-Hina Paopao’s Latest Stellar WNBA Showing With Atlanta Dream Friday Night

South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley has never been shy about expressing pride in her former players, and Te-Hina Paopao is giving her every reason to celebrate once again. On Friday night, the Atlanta Dream rookie delivered another impressive performance that turned heads across the WNBA, including her former college coach’s.

Staley, known for building one of the most successful programs in women’s college basketball at South Carolina, has seen her players transition to the professional level with remarkable consistency. Te-Hina Paopao is becoming the latest Gamecock making her mark in the WNBA, and her rapid development with the Atlanta Dream has been nothing short of exhilarating for fans in Columbia and beyond.

Paopao, drafted by the Dream earlier this year, first made headlines with her stunning performance against the Washington Mystics on June 15. That breakout game showcased the elite shot-making, playmaking vision, and competitive toughness that Staley has spoken so highly of throughout Paopao’s journey. It wasn’t just her stat line that night—though that alone was impressive—but her composure, confidence, and leadership on the floor that left both analysts and fans buzzing.

In that game against the Mystics, Paopao poured in critical buckets in clutch moments, dished out assists with precision, and demonstrated a veteran-like poise rarely seen from first-year players. Dawn Staley, watching proudly from afar, publicly praised her former star guard, calling her performance “everything we expected and more.” That sentiment only grew stronger after Friday night’s action.

Facing off against one of the league’s toughest defensive teams, Paopao once again rose to the occasion, proving her June 15 heroics were no fluke. The Atlanta Dream’s rookie contributed across the board, scoring efficiently, facilitating for teammates, and playing tenacious defense. But perhaps most importantly, she showcased the same fiery spirit and team-first mentality that made her a beloved figure at South Carolina.

Dawn Staley, who coached Paopao during her senior collegiate season, couldn’t help but share her pride following Friday night’s game. Taking to social media shortly after the final buzzer, Staley praised Paopao’s continued growth, describing her as “fearless, focused, and prepared for the moment.” The legendary coach also gave credit to the Atlanta Dream organization for recognizing Paopao’s potential and putting her in positions to thrive early in her professional career.

Paopao’s transition from college standout to WNBA contributor has been particularly gratifying for Staley, considering the journey both coach and player took together. After transferring to South Carolina from Oregon for her final season, Paopao quickly bought into Staley’s demanding system. Her sharp shooting, high basketball IQ, and steady leadership helped anchor a Gamecocks squad loaded with talent and championship aspirations.

While South Carolina ultimately fell short of a national title during Paopao’s lone season in Columbia, her impact on the program was undeniable. Staley frequently lauded her guard’s work ethic, attention to detail, and unwavering commitment to the team’s culture of excellence. Those same qualities have carried over seamlessly into the professional ranks, much to Staley’s delight.

Friday night’s game was another testament to that. From the opening tip, Paopao played with a sense of urgency and confidence that belied her rookie status. She attacked the basket with precision, knocked down perimeter shots under pressure, and initiated the offense with remarkable poise. Her ability to read defenses and make the right play stood out, especially in crunch time when the game hung in the balance.

Atlanta Dream head coach Tanisha Wright has already expressed her excitement about Paopao’s progression, noting that the young guard has embraced every challenge the WNBA has thrown her way. Staley, watching closely, couldn’t agree more.

“She’s built for this stage,” Staley said when asked about Paopao’s growth after the Dream’s latest win. “Te-Hina has always had that composure and that competitive edge. It’s no surprise to see her making plays and leading at the next level. She’s put in the work, and now she’s reaping the rewards.”

The South Carolina fan base has also rallied behind Paopao’s WNBA rise, with many Gamecock faithful tuning into Atlanta Dream games to cheer on their former star. Social media has been flooded with praise, highlights, and heartfelt messages for Paopao, with Staley often leading the chorus.

For Paopao, the transition to the professional game has been both exciting and challenging. The WNBA’s level of physicality, speed, and skill requires rapid adjustment, but the rookie has handled the transition with remarkable maturity. She credits her time at South Carolina, and Staley’s coaching, for preparing her mentally and physically for the demands of the league.

“Playing for Coach Staley taught me so much about accountability, preparation, and what it means to be a great teammate,” Paopao shared in a recent interview. “The WNBA is tough, but I feel ready because of the foundation I built in college.”

Friday’s performance only reinforced that belief. With every game, Paopao continues to carve out her place in the league, showing flashes of the dynamic player Staley always believed she could become. Whether it’s knocking down deep three-pointers, orchestrating the offense with patience, or making critical defensive stops, Paopao’s well-rounded game is earning the respect of veterans and coaches alike.

For Staley, moments like Friday night are particularly fulfilling—not just because of the on-court success but because they validate the long hours of development, teaching, and mentorship invested in players like Paopao. The South Carolina coach has built a reputation for molding not only elite athletes but also strong, confident women prepared for life beyond college basketball.

Seeing one of her former players excel under the bright lights of the WNBA is a source of immense pride, and Staley has made it clear she’ll continue to support Paopao every step of the way.

“Watching Te-Hina shine out there is a reminder of why we do what we do,” Staley remarked. “Our goal is to prepare these young women for greatness, and seeing her thrive makes all those long practices, film sessions, and conversations worth it.”

As the WNBA season progresses, expectations for Paopao will undoubtedly grow, but so too will her confidence and impact. With Dawn Staley in her corner and the Atlanta Dream invested in her development, the rookie guard is poised for an exciting professional career.

Friday night’s stellar performance was yet another glimpse of her potential—and a moment that left her former coach and countless Gamecock fans beaming with pride. If her current trajectory is any indication, there will be plenty more reasons to celebrate Te-Hina Paopao in the weeks and years to come.