Te-Hina Paopao, recently selected with No. 18 overall pick by the Atlanta Dream in the second round of the WNBA Draft, marked her arrival in Atlanta by throwing the ceremonial first pitch at a Braves game.
The former South Carolina guard, who transferred from Oregon, played a pivotal role in the Gamecocks’ perfect season and 2024 national championship run.
Paopao led the NCAA in three-point shooting at 46.8% and earned All-America honors while averaging 9.4 points per game. She now joins ex-Gamecock Allisha Gray on the Dream, further solidifying South Carolina’s influence in the WNBA.
WNBA Rookie Te-Hina Paopao Honors Atlanta Roots With Braves First Pitch
The newly drafted Atlanta Dream guard made a statement off the court by throwing out the ceremonial first pitch at an Atlanta Braves game, a gesture often reserved for notable figures. For Paopao, it signaled her arrival as a professional in Atlanta and spotlighted the rising influence of women’s basketball.
The 5’9″ Oceanside, California native was taken 18th overall in the 2025 WNBA Draft, becoming the Dream’s top selection. Paopao’s path to the pros includes high school accolades such as McDonald’s All-American and California Gatorade Player of the Year.
Te-Hina Paopao arrived in Atlanta and threw out the first pitch for the Atlanta Braves 🤩
Paopao was selected 18th overall for the Atlanta Dream in the 2025 WNBA draft 👏
(📸 @atlantadream) pic.twitter.com/HEdxcsQ83F— espnW (@espnW) April 20, 2025
Despite overcoming two ACL injuries, she led La Jolla Country Day to a 32–1 record as a senior.
At Oregon, she quickly became one of the Pac-12’s premier guards before transferring to South Carolina, where she helped the Gamecocks to an undefeated season and national title in 2024. That year, she led the nation in 3-point shooting at 46.8% and earned All-America honors.
Over her two years at South Carolina, she averaged 10.2 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game.
Head coach Dawn Staley praised Paopao’s defensive commitment during the NCAA Tournament.
“They target her to be able to defend; they wear her out so her shot isn’t as fluid in the third and fourth quarters,” Staley said, per On3’s Gamecock Central. “We’re a culture of playing defense… Pao is not one that wants to stick out in that way.”
KEEP READING: Oklahoma and South Carolina Fans Get to Recruiting As Utah Transfer Gianna Kneepkens Takes a Visit to Both Schools
Per Spotrac, Paopao’s four-year rookie contract with the Dream totals $305,957, starting at $69,267 in year one and rising to $88,317 by 2028.
Despite falling to the second round, Paopao was Atlanta’s first selection before the team added Taylor Thierry from Ohio State. The Dream, after a 15-25 season, opens preseason May 7 vs. Washington and starts the regular season May 16.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in football, men’s basketball, women’s basketball, and baseball!
