Te-Hina Paopao’s arrival at the Atlanta Dream marks a pivotal moment in her basketball journey and a strategic acquisition for the team. Selected as the 18th overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft, Paopao brings a blend of championship experience, elite shooting, and cultural pride to Atlanta’s evolving roster.
Paopao’s collegiate career is distinguished by her tenure at both Oregon and South Carolina, culminating in a national championship with the Gamecocks in 2024. Her impressive statistics include a 40% career three-point shooting percentage and nearly 300 made three-pointers over five seasons.
Head coach Karl Smesko, known for his perimeter-focused offensive strategy, emphasized the importance of adding a proficient shooter to the team. “We definitely wanted to add some shooting to the roster, that was really important to us as we were evaluating players,” Smesko stated. He further highlighted that Paopao is “more than a shooter,” acknowledging her versatility and ability to contribute in multiple facets of the game.
Beyond her on-court skills, Paopao’s cultural heritage adds a unique dimension to her presence in the WNBA. At her draft celebration in Oceanside, California, she honored her Samoan roots by wearing traditional attire and celebrating with approximately 300 supporters. Reflecting on her role as a trailblazer, Paopao shared, “I didn’t have a female Samoan basketball player growing up, so being able to be that, maybe that’s someone for them; it just brings warmth to my heart”.
In Atlanta, Paopao joins a roster that includes former South Carolina teammate Allisha Gray, as well as recent high-profile acquisitions Brittney Griner and Brionna Jones. Her addition is expected to bolster the Dream’s backcourt depth and enhance their perimeter shooting capabilities as they aim for a competitive season ahead.
As the Atlanta Dream embark on a new chapter under Coach Smesko, Te-Hina Paopao’s arrival signifies a blend of talent, experience, and cultural representation, positioning her as a valuable asset in the team’s pursuit of success.
