Te-Hina Paopao Makes Basketball Her-Story as First Tokelauan Player Drafted into the WNBA
A monumental chapter in women’s basketball was written on WNBA Draft night, as Te-Hina Paopao, standout guard from the University of South Carolina, was selected with the 18th overall pick by the Atlanta Dream in the 2025 WNBA Draft.
What makes this moment even more historic is that Paopao has become the first player of Tokelauan heritage to be drafted into the WNBA. The talented guard, who is of both Samoan and Tokelauan descent, now joins Alissa Pili of the Minnesota Lynx as only the second active Polynesian player currently playing in the league.
Though she was one of just 16 players officially invited to attend the WNBA Draft ceremony in person, Paopao made a deeply personal choice: she opted to stay home and celebrate with the people who helped shape her journey.
“I’ll be having the draft party at home just because I want my family to be there,” she explained in a recent post-game interview. “I want to start with the people that have been there for the journey, for the ride. I’m just really excited for my next journey and just super proud.”
Paopao’s collegiate career with the South Carolina Gamecocks, under legendary head coach Dawn Staley, showcased her elite shooting ability, basketball IQ, and veteran leadership. She played a key role in South Carolina’s dominant season, helping guide the Gamecocks to yet another NCAA Championship appearance in 2025.
Her selection by Atlanta Dream highlights not just her on-court skills but the increasing diversity and global reach of the WNBA. For young girls in Tokelau, Samoa, and across the Pacific Islands, Paopao’s draft moment is more than just a personal triumph—it’s a beacon of representation and hope.
As she prepares to start her professional career in Atlanta, Te-Hina Paopao not only carries the pride of her college and community—but also the dreams of a region rarely seen on the WNBA stage. Her next chapter is set to inspire, and the basketball world will be watching.
