Te-Hina Paopao has inspired fans with her heritage and family values, making her one of the most talked-about young stars in the WNBA. Paopao was selected with the 18th overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft by the Atlanta Dream and has quickly captured attention—not just for her impressive performances but also for her deep connection to her roots and her strong sense of family.
Te-Hina Paopao Inspires Fans With Heritage and Family Values
Love and Support From Culture and Family Shaped Paopao
Paopao made it clear that her heritage is an important part of who she is from the very start of her career. The 23-year-old proudly celebrates her Samoan and Tokelauan roots, often sharing stories of her culture and traditions with fans. She wore a traditional puletasi—a garment that symbolizes her pride in her culture—at her draft party in Oceanside. Several friends and family joined the celebration, showing the close-knit community that has supported her throughout her journey.
Paopao has said that her heritage gives her strength and motivation. She believes that carrying her culture with her onto the court reminds her of where she comes from and why she works so hard. Family is also at the center of Paopao’s life. Her parents, Paul and Diana Paopao, have been with her every step of the way, offering guidance, support, and encouragement. She often credits them for instilling strong values in her. This sense of pride has resonated with fans, many of whom admire her willingness to stay true to her roots while pursuing her dreams.
“I’m proud to be Samoan and to share my culture in Atlanta,” Paopao said. “They’ve brought me in with open arms, especially in South Carolina as well, and I feel like my teammates know a lot about me and my culture just based on my family, because I always have at least 20+ members coming to each game. And they always ask me, ‘How many tickets do you need today?’ and I’m like, ‘I need a lot.’ It’s just the love and support from my culture and my family that are instilled in me, shaping who I am today.”
Paopao Encouraging Fans To Embrace Their Background
The 23-year-old’s family influence extends beyond her parents. She regularly mentions her extended family and close friends, showing that her achievements are not just her own but a reflection of the support system behind her. The Atlanta Dream guard comes from a family with strong football roots. Her uncle, Joe Salave’a, played in the NFL as a defensive tackle and later became a college football coach. She is also a cousin of a professional softball pitcher, Megan Faraimo.
Paopao started every game she played as a freshman at South Carolina, averaging 10.2 points, 4.4 assists, and 3.2 rebounds per contest, but missed the final five games due to a foot injury. Paopao earned both All-Pac-12 and All-Freshman honors, becoming one of only two players in the conference to achieve both. She also led all NCAA freshmen with a 2.40 assist-to-turnover ratio and ranked fourth in the Pac-12 for assists per game.
Paopao continues to inspire through her example. She shares aspects of her heritage with her followers, explains the importance of family, and encourages others to embrace their own backgrounds.
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