AM LEAVING: Te-Hina Paopao Receives Life-Changing Call from Dawn Staley
For most athletes, the call that changes everything doesn’t come with a warning. It just rings, and on the other end, there’s an opportunity that resets the course of a career. For Te-Hina Paopao, that moment came when Dawn Staley, the Hall of Fame coach of the top-ranked South Carolina women’s basketball team, reached out with an offer she couldn’t refuse.
Staley’s call wasn’t just a professional gesture — it was a lifeline. Paopao, a seasoned senior guard, had already shown flashes of brilliance throughout her collegiate career. Known for her calm demeanor, court vision, and elite shooting touch, Paopao had carved out a name for herself. But the opportunity to play for Staley, one of the most respected coaches in the sport, added a new dimension to her journey.
“I was honestly in shock,” Paopao said. “To have someone like Coach Staley believe in me, to want me on her team — it meant everything. I knew right away this was where I needed to be.”
Since joining the Gamecocks, Paopao hasn’t just fit in — she’s thrived. In a backcourt filled with talent, she has emerged as a key contributor, especially from beyond the arc. Her ability to stretch the floor and knock down clutch threes has been invaluable for a team with national championship aspirations.
In fact, Paopao currently boasts the third-highest three-point shooting percentage in the nation. Her consistency from long range has helped South Carolina maintain its dominance, remaining undefeated deep into the season. Whether it’s spotting up in transition, pulling up off the dribble, or coming off screens, her shot has become a weapon opposing teams have to plan around.
But it’s not just the stats that make her impact so profound. It’s the composure, the leadership, and the unselfishness she brings. Teammates speak highly of her calm presence, her willingness to make the extra pass, and her readiness to lead when needed.
“She’s just a pro,” Staley said. “Her approach, her demeanor, the way she prepares — she’s everything you want in a senior guard. And she’s fearless. When the moment gets big, she gets better.”
That resilience comes from years of overcoming setbacks. Injuries early in her college career threatened to derail her potential, but Paopao remained focused. Transferring wasn’t easy, especially as a high-profile athlete, but she trusted the process — and trusted Staley.
Now, in her final year of eligibility, she’s soaking in every moment. Playing in front of sold-out crowds, competing on the biggest stage, and doing it alongside teammates who share her hunger for success.
“This has been the most fulfilling year of my life,” Paopao said. “I came here wanting to grow, to compete, to win — and I’ve done all of that. But more than anything, I’ve found a family. That’s what I’ll remember most.”
As the postseason looms and the Gamecocks chase another national title, Paopao remains focused. Her mission is clear: win, lead, and leave a legacy.
And while her time at South Carolina may be brief, her impact is undeniable. From a life-changing phone call to a career-defining season, Te-Hina Paopao has shown that sometimes, one call really can change everything.
