“Rookie Te-Hina Paopao Silences Doubters: How She’s Winning Over the Atlanta Dream Locker Room”
For Atlanta Dream rookie guard Te-Hina Paopao, her first season in the WNBA has been about more than just adjusting to the pace of the league — it’s been about earning trust, proving her value, and showing that her unique style of play translates at the professional level.
Paopao, known for her poise and sharp shooting during her time at South Carolina, has wasted little time carving out a role with the Dream. Her ability to space the floor with her perimeter game, combined with her decision-making as a ball-handler, has caught the attention of her teammates and coaching staff.
“Te-Hina doesn’t play like a rookie,” one Dream veteran noted. “She’s patient, she sees the floor, and she takes the right shots. That makes it easy for us to trust her.”
That trust has been built gradually but steadily. In recent games, Paopao has shown she can handle the ball under pressure, knock down open threes, and deliver timely passes to teammates in stride. Her unselfish style has been a perfect complement to Atlanta’s offensive system, where spacing and ball movement are critical.
What has stood out most, however, is her composure. Even in close games, Paopao has demonstrated confidence beyond her years, never rushing possessions or forcing shots. That level-headedness has made her a reliable presence in the backcourt, something that’s rare for a first-year player.
Head coach Tanisha Wright praised Paopao’s approach, saying, “She understands the game at a really high level. She plays within herself, and that’s something we value. Her teammates can feel that, and it builds trust naturally.”
Her transition has also been fueled by her work ethic. Teammates have pointed out her dedication in practice, where she consistently asks questions, studies film, and seeks feedback. That willingness to learn has helped her adapt quickly to the WNBA’s physicality and speed.
Paopao’s shooting has been a key weapon as well. Defenses know they can’t leave her open beyond the arc, and her spacing has created driving lanes for the Dream’s stars. But beyond the stats, her intangibles — calmness under pressure, quick reads, and a team-first mentality — are what’s cementing her place in Atlanta’s rotation.
For Paopao, this rookie campaign is just the beginning. She knows trust isn’t built overnight, but she’s already laid the foundation for a promising future with the Dream. As she put it after a recent win, “I just want to do my job, make the right play, and help my team win. If I can do that every night, I know I’m earning their trust.”
With her steady hand and sharp instincts, Te-Hina Paopao isn’t just fitting in with the Atlanta Dream — she’s becoming a player her teammates can count on when it matters most.
