Te-Hina Paopao is Heading to the Atlanta Dream: A New Chapter Begins

When Te-Hina Paopao’s name was called during the WNBA Draft, the moment symbolized more than just the start of her professional basketball career—it was a culmination of years of grit, growth, and relentless belief in her game. Now officially a member of the Atlanta Dream, Paopao is ready to bring her unique blend of court vision, toughness, and leadership to the next level.

The Atlanta Dream, looking to continue their rebuild and push toward playoff consistency, saw something in Paopao that couldn’t be ignored. She’s a proven winner, a poised shot-maker, and one of the more battle-tested guards available in the draft. While her numbers during her final collegiate season were solid, it’s the intangibles—her maturity, command, and composure—that may have ultimately sold the Dream’s front office on selecting her.

Paopao’s basketball journey began long before her college stardom. Growing up in Oceanside, California, she was a standout from a young age, making noise on the high school circuit and earning a five-star rating as a recruit. Her game was always ahead of its time—precise, unselfish, and calculated. She didn’t just score; she orchestrated. That approach helped her become one of the top point guard prospects in the country coming out of La Jolla Country Day School.

She began her college career at Oregon, where she was an immediate impact player. Even through injuries and roster fluctuations, Paopao managed to anchor the Ducks’ backcourt with poise beyond her years. Her skill set shone brightest in high-pressure moments—whether it was delivering a dagger three, setting the table with a sharp assist, or locking in on the defensive end. But after three seasons in Eugene, she made a calculated move that would elevate her profile even further: transferring to South Carolina for her senior year.

Playing under Dawn Staley—a Hall of Famer and one of the most respected coaches in the game—Paopao became the floor general for a Gamecocks team that thrived on discipline and execution. While South Carolina already had a deep and talented roster, Paopao’s presence gave them a calming influence, a voice who could steady the offense and read defenses with clarity. She brought elite shooting, boasting one of the highest three-point percentages in the country, and made smart decisions with the ball in her hands.

But even more than that, she fit. She embraced a role that wasn’t always about dominating the stat sheet. In fact, her ability to defer when necessary and assert herself when needed is part of what made her so valuable. Paopao showed the ability to operate within a team concept, finding joy in facilitating others’ success while still remaining a threat herself. That humility and team-first mentality won over her teammates, coaches, and ultimately, WNBA scouts.

Now with the Atlanta Dream, Paopao steps into a franchise that is full of potential. With key pieces like Rhyne Howard already in place, the Dream have the makings of a team that can compete in the coming years, and Paopao may prove to be a critical piece of that puzzle. Her game translates well to the WNBA—the spacing, the pace, and the physicality won’t faze her. She’s already faced elite competition at every level, including deep NCAA Tournament runs and intense SEC battles. Her adaptability, basketball IQ, and shooting ability make her an immediate asset.

One area that Paopao particularly excels in is shooting efficiency. In an era where shot selection and perimeter scoring are critical, her high-level accuracy from three-point range is exactly what WNBA teams crave. She’s not just a catch-and-shoot specialist either; she can create her own shot off the dribble, pull up in transition, and navigate pick-and-rolls with precision. Add in her tight handle and excellent footwork, and you’ve got a player who can keep defenses honest at all times.

Defensively, Paopao brings intensity and anticipation. She’s not the biggest guard in the league, but she’s smart and deceptively quick. Her time at South Carolina sharpened her defensive instincts, and she’s shown she can fight through screens, close out on shooters, and stay disciplined in help situations. She takes pride in doing the little things—talking on defense, rotating properly, crashing the glass when needed. Those habits will serve her well as she adapts to the speed and physicality of the WNBA.

Perhaps most exciting is the leadership Paopao brings. At every stop in her basketball journey, she’s earned the respect of those around her. Coaches love her because she’s coachable and accountable. Teammates trust her because she communicates, supports, and competes. Those qualities are gold in a professional setting, especially for a young team like Atlanta trying to cultivate a winning culture.

Her move to the WNBA also marks a major moment for the growing presence of Polynesian athletes in basketball. Paopao, who is of Samoan descent, has spoken proudly about her heritage and the responsibility she feels to represent her culture on the national stage. Her success is more than personal—it’s inspirational. For young girls watching from California to Hawaii and beyond, she’s showing that the dream is possible. That matters. Representation matters. And now, with her platform on one of the sport’s biggest stages, she has the chance to be a role model both on and off the court.

The adjustment to the WNBA won’t be without its challenges. The pace is faster, the players are stronger, and the grind of a professional season is unrelenting. But if Paopao’s past is any indication, she’ll rise to meet those challenges with her trademark calm and confidence. She’s never been one to back down from competition, and she’s no stranger to adversity. Her college career featured moments of doubt and tough decisions, yet she always emerged stronger. The Dream are betting on that resilience as they continue to build toward becoming a perennial playoff team.

For Paopao, the excitement is palpable. She’s spoken in interviews about her love for the game, her desire to keep learning, and her appreciation for every step of the journey. And now, as she trades her college colors for the bold hues of the Atlanta Dream, she carries with her the support of countless fans, teammates, and mentors who helped her reach this point.

There’s a poetic symmetry to her landing in Atlanta—a city known for its vibrant culture, strong sense of identity, and deep connection to sports. The Dream are looking to write a new chapter in their franchise story, and Paopao is the kind of player who can help turn the page. She’s not just joining a team—she’s helping to shape its future.

Expect her to contribute early. Whether she’s running the second unit, spacing the floor alongside stars, or simply pushing the pace in transition, Paopao’s presence will be felt. She’s a connector. A player who brings balance. And in a league where cohesion often defines success, she could become one of the quiet catalysts behind Atlanta’s rise.

In a draft class filled with flash and hype, Te-Hina Paopao might not have been the loudest name, but she might end up being one of the most impactful. The WNBA is a league that rewards basketball savvy, composure, and consistency—and she checks every box. Her journey from Oceanside to Oregon to Columbia, and now to Atlanta, is the story of a player who refused to be rushed, who trusted her path, and who always let her game do the talking.

The Atlanta Dream may have just found the perfect voice to guide their future—and her name is Te-Hina Paopao