The 2025 WNBA season opener is fast approaching, and the Atlanta Dream have made several roster upgrades designed to lift them out of the Eastern Conference cellar.
After finishing 15-25 in 2024 under head coach Tanisha Wright, only to be swept in the opening round, the Dream went on a spending spree this offseason, signing seasoned veterans and adding promising rookies in hopes of a rebound in 2025.
Among the newest faces is guard Te-Hina Paopao, a key contributor to South Carolina’s perfect 38-0 national championship run in 2024, who was taken with the 18th overall pick in April’s draft and has now officially made the Atlanta Dream roster.
When Paopao shared her excitement on X, her former college coach Dawn Staley, now one of the greatest figures in women’s basketball history, couldn’t help but weigh in with a glowing endorsement.
“Congrats Pao! You look comfortable! You look like you belong! You look like a dream come true! Way to make us all proud….your family and it’s a lot of them and of course @GamecockWBB and FAMs!! We can’t wait to see you play! GOD on
Paopao starred at La Jolla Country Day before beginning her collegiate career at Oregon in 2020, where she earned Pac-12 All-Freshman honors and two All-Pac-12 selections.
Transferring to South Carolina in 2023, she immediately became a catalyst off the bench, helping Staley’s Gamecocks secure the 2024 NCAA title.
In 2023-24, Paopao averaged 11.0 points, 3.7 assists, and 2.6 rebounds in 37 games on 46.1% shooting from the field and 46.8% from beyond the arc, which led Division I.
As the Atlanta Dream open the 2025 season on Friday against the Washington Mystics, all eyes will be on the impact of their new additions and the integration of Staley-taught fundamentals
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