Te-Hina Paopao turned heads at the 2025 WNBA Draft by delivering a stunning display of cultural pride. The Atlanta Dream selected her as the 18th overall pick, and she celebrated the milestone in traditional Samoan attire, adorned with vibrant leis and floral headpieces symbolizing her deep-rooted heritage.
espnW captured the moment in a tweet, which described her as looking “straight up REGAL” while highlighting her selection in front of family and friends—a nod to the communal values central to Samoan culture.
A Regal Tribute to Samoan Traditions
Images shared by espnW on X showed Paopao dressed in layers of colorful leis and a floral crown echoing the traditional Samoan tuiga, a ceremonial headpiece often crafted with feathers, shells and human hair.
Te-Hina Paopao looks straight up REGAL in her Samoan attire for draft night 😍
Paopao was selected with the 18th pick of the WNBA draft to the Atlanta Dream in front of family and friends ❤️ pic.twitter.com/q2pbt4zCrl
— espnW (@espnW) April 15, 2025
Paopao wore special Samoan clothing on draft night to honor her culture. In Samoa, such outfits are traditionally worn during major celebrations when families gather to mark life milestones like weddings and birthdays.
Her athletic upbringing was greatly shaped by her uncle, Joe Salave’a, a former NFL player turned coach, who taught her to push through adversity. Paopao’s draft-night look reflected that legacy—blending personal achievement with the pride and tradition of her aiga, who were present to witness her milestone.
From Heritage to Hardwood: Paopao’s Rise
Paopao’s path to the WNBA was marked by exceptional talent and leadership. She began her college career at Oregon, taking over the starting point guard role as a freshman from WNBA star Sabrina Ionescu.
Her coach, Kelly Graves, praised her early impact: “I think Te-Hina is next in the line of those guards that we’ve had that can just fill up the stat sheet.”
After transferring to South Carolina, Paopao led Division I in 3-point shooting percentage at 46.8% in her first season, helping the Gamecocks win the 2024 national title.
Her defensive prowess also drew recognition from South Carolina coach Dawn Staley, who said after a game against Indiana in March 2025: “I don’t think her defense gets enough credit in the past two years that she’s been with us because it’s gotten better and better and better.”
Paopao’s draft night celebrated both basketball brilliance and Samoan heritage. By donning a regal look rooted in Fa’a Samoa, she honored her family and culture, proving her legacy extends beyond the court.
KEEP READING: Te-Hina Paopao Scouting Report
Her journey with the Atlanta Dream promises to carry that same pride forward.
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