Te-Hina Paopao Teams Up with U by Kotex to Empower Young Female Athletes
South Carolina women’s basketball star Te-Hina Paopao has added a new role to her already impressive résumé — brand ambassador. The standout guard has officially partnered with U by Kotex, lending her voice to a campaign designed to empower young female athletes to play confidently, no matter the circumstances.
In a recent announcement, Paopao delivered a strong message aimed at the next generation of athletes:
“To every young female athlete: don’t let your what-ifs win. With powerful protection, @ubykotex has your back to show up every time.”
The post, tagged with #UbyKotexPartner, #ad, and #PlayOnMyPeriod, highlights the campaign’s central message — eliminating barriers and stigma surrounding menstruation in sports.
For Paopao, who transferred from Oregon and quickly became a key piece of Dawn Staley’s powerhouse Gamecocks program, the partnership is more than just a sponsorship deal. It reflects her commitment to advocating for female athletes, particularly when it comes to challenges often overlooked in competitive sports.
Periods have long been considered a silent hurdle in athletics, with many young players feeling self-conscious or even sitting out of games due to fear of leaks or discomfort. By teaming up with U by Kotex, Paopao is helping normalize the conversation and providing reassurance that protection and confidence can go hand in hand.
The timing of the partnership is especially meaningful, as Paopao has emerged as a leader both on and off the court. Known for her sharpshooting and steady playmaking, she has also embraced her platform as a role model. This collaboration with U by Kotex underscores her commitment to using her influence to break down barriers and inspire young women to “show up every time,” just as she does for the Gamecocks.
With U by Kotex’s #PlayOnMyPeriod campaign, Paopao joins a growing movement in sports culture — one that seeks to empower female athletes by providing not just products, but also encouragement to tackle the game with confidence, regardless of the circumstances.
As she prepares for another impactful season at South Carolina, Paopao’s influence now stretches beyond the hardwood, sending a message of strength and resilience to young athletes everywhere.
