In a delightful moment that’s lighting up social media, former South Carolina women’s basketball guard Te-Hina Paopao shared a funny story about her time with head coach Dawn Staley — including a behind-the-scenes look at how the legendary coach warmed up to doing TikTok videos with the team. The anecdote has quickly become a fan favorite, highlighting both Staley’s tough competitive side and her unexpected playful moments off the court. (Instagram)
From Stern Coach to TikTok Star
Paopao, who starred at South Carolina before launching her professional career, recently appeared in an interview clip on Instagram and Threads, where she recounted her “favorite Dawn Staley story” — and it involves the coach actually doing TikToks. In the video, Paopao jokingly suggests that she managed to get Staley, known more for her championship mentality than her social media presence, to participate in team TikTok videos. (Instagram)
While Staley’s reputation as a disciplinarian and demanding coach is well-documented, her willingness to step outside that stereotype for her players shows a lighter side that fans don’t always see. Staley’s fun approach with players — including embracing things like TikTok and off-court culture — was also noted in national profiles that describe how she balances strict standards with connection and relatability. (GQ)
How the Story Took Shape
Although the exact details of the TikTok moment are shared in playful fashion, the gist is clear: Paopao and her teammates were able to coax Staley into participating in team social media content. For a coach who values both discipline and connection with her players, this moment exemplifies how she has evolved in her approach over time — balancing seriousness with relatability. (Instagram)
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That Staley might have been “convinced” to do TikToks — even if only because of trust and rapport built through years of shared competition and championship runs — is emblematic of the culture she fosters. Multiple accounts from former players emphasize how she connects with her teams on more than just basketball terms, often creating lifelong bonds. (SB Nation)
Paopao’s Unique Perspective
Paopao’s playful recount of this story offers fans a rare glimpse into the personality behind one of women’s basketball’s most respected coaches. It also underscores the mutual respect and affection between Staley and her players — a relationship that helped Paopao thrive during her time at South Carolina and later become a WNBA draft pick. (Wikipedia)
In many ways, the story reflects the duality of Staley’s persona: a tough, championship-driven leader who also knows when to laugh, have fun, and connect with her players in meaningful ways — even if that means doing something as unexpected as a TikTok video. (GQ)
Broader Context: Staley’s Personality and Legacy
While the TikTok story is amusing and humanizing, it fits into a broader understanding of Staley’s personality from multiple profiles and interviews. Staley’s intensity and passion are legendary, but so is her ability to connect with players from diverse backgrounds and build deep trust. Former teammates and players later describe her as both a stern coach and a relatable mentor, proving that she knows when to be serious and when to lighten the mood. (GQ)
Paopao’s TikTok tale isn’t just funny — it’s a snapshot of the vibrant culture Staley has nurtured at South Carolina: one where players are pushed to be their best on the court and encouraged to be themselves off it.
Sources
- Former SC guard Te-Hina Paopao shares her favorite Dawn Staley TikTok story — Instagram reel. (Instagram)
- Video and social media reaction: Te-Hina Paopao got Coach Staley to do TikToks? (“Threads” post). (Threads)
- Profile on Dawn Staley’s evolving coaching style and TikTok engagement with players. (GQ)
- Context on Paopao’s career and leadership under Staley. (Wikipedia)
