Te-Hina Paopao Bids Emotional Farewell to South Carolina Fans in Her Final Game at Colonial Life Arena

Columbia, SC – March 25, 2025 — As the final buzzer echoed through Colonial Life Arena on Sunday night, signaling the end of another electrifying South Carolina Gamecocks women’s basketball game, a hush swept across the crowd.

It wasn’t just the end of a game — it was the end of an era. Te-Hina Paopao, the heart and soul of this year’s Gamecocks squad, waved to the sea of garnet and black, tears welling in her eyes, as she said goodbye to the fans who had embraced her as one of their own.

For Te-Hina Paopao, a senior guard who transferred to South Carolina from Oregon, this season marked not just a new chapter in her basketball journey, but the culmination of years of dedication, resilience, and passion.

Her final home game at Colonial Life Arena was more than a farewell; it was a celebration of her legacy and the indelible mark she has left on the program and its passionate fan base.

A Journey from the West Coast to SEC Stardom

Paopao’s road to South Carolina was anything but conventional. Hailing from Oceanside, California, she first made waves at Oregon, where her dynamic playstyle and court vision earned her national recognition. But when she made the decision to transfer to South Carolina for her senior year, it surprised many.

Head coach Dawn Staley, known for her strategic recruiting and unmatched ability to develop guards, saw something special in Paopao — a seasoned leader who could elevate the Gamecocks’ backcourt with her experience and poise.

And that she did.

Throughout the 2024-2025 season, Paopao became a cornerstone of the Gamecocks’ success. Her lethal three-point shooting, lockdown defense, and clutch performances under pressure played a pivotal role in keeping South Carolina among the nation’s elite. More than her stats, though — which were impressive in their own right — it was her leadership and maturity that set her apart.

The Final Game: A Night of Emotion and Reflection

Sunday night’s game at Colonial Life Arena was a bittersweet moment for Gamecocks fans.

While the team secured a hard-fought victory over their opponent, all eyes were on Te-Hina Paopao as the final seconds ticked off the clock.

As the horn sounded, the arena erupted into a standing ovation. Fans chanted her name, waving handmade signs and wearing customized jerseys emblazoned with “PAOPAO” across the back.

She walked slowly around the court, high-fiving fans, hugging teammates, and pausing at midcourt to take it all in. The moment wasn’t lost on her.

“It’s been a blessing,” Paopao told reporters postgame. “Coming here, I didn’t know what to expect. But South Carolina embraced me. Coach Staley believed in me. These fans — they made me feel like I’ve been here my whole life.”

Her words struck a chord with many in attendance. It’s not often that a transfer becomes so deeply woven into the fabric of a program in such a short span, but Paopao’s impact transcended time.

Coach Dawn Staley’s Tribute

Head coach Dawn Staley, never one to hide her emotions when it comes to her players, offered a heartfelt tribute to Paopao in the postgame press conference.

“Te-Hina is one of the smartest guards I’ve ever coached,” Staley said. “She brought a calmness to the game, a leadership that you can’t teach.

She came here and gave us everything — on and off the court. Her legacy here will last well beyond this season.”

Staley’s voice cracked as she continued.

“When she told me she wanted to come here, I knew we were getting a good player.

What I didn’t know was how much she’d mean to this team, this program, and this community. We’re better because Te-Hina Paopao chose South Carolina.”

A Fan Favorite from Day One

Despite arriving as a newcomer, Paopao’s humility and approachability made her an instant fan favorite.

She was frequently spotted taking pictures with young fans, signing autographs after practice, and participating in community service events organized by the team.

For 9-year-old Gabby Martinez, who wore a “Paopao Power” shirt to Sunday’s game, meeting Te-Hina after the final buzzer was a dream come true.

“She’s my hero,” Gabby said, clutching a signed basketball. “I want to play just like her one day.”

That kind of influence — the kind that inspires the next generation of athletes — is the true measure of Paopao’s impact.

The Stats Behind the Stardom

While emotion dominated the farewell, it’s impossible to ignore the numbers Paopao posted this season.

Averaging 11.7 points, 4.3 assists, and 2.8 rebounds per game, she was a model of consistency and reliability.

Her 43% shooting from beyond the arc ranked among the top in the SEC, and her clutch buckets in tight games often turned the tide for the Gamecocks.

But more than just putting up numbers, she played with an unselfishness that made everyone around her better.

Her basketball IQ and ability to read defenses allowed her to orchestrate the offense with surgical precision.

“She’s like a coach on the floor,” sophomore forward Chloe Williams said. “She always knew what play to call, when to slow the game down, and how to motivate us. We looked up to her.”

Teammates React to Her Departure

Following the final home game, social media lit up with tributes from teammates past and present.

Senior center Kamilla Cardoso tweeted, “Forever my PG. Thank you for leading us with grace and grit. Love you, sis!”

Freshman sensation Amari Johnson posted a series of photos of her and Paopao on Instagram, captioned:

“From Cali to SC, your journey inspired me every step. Gonna miss you more than words.”

Clearly, the bond Paopao formed with her teammates transcended basketball.

What’s Next for Te-Hina Paopao?

With her collegiate career winding down, the big question remains: What’s next for Te-Hina Paopao?

While she has yet to make a formal announcement, WNBA scouts have certainly taken notice.

With her elite shooting, savvy playmaking, and high basketball IQ, Paopao is expected to be a potential second-round pick in the upcoming WNBA Draft.

“She’s pro-ready,” said ESPN analyst LaChina Robinson. “She’s got the tools to make an immediate impact at the next level.

But beyond the court, she’s a culture-builder. Every locker room needs someone like her.”

If the WNBA is her next stop, Paopao will join a growing list of Gamecocks who have successfully transitioned to the professional level under Dawn Staley’s guidance — a testament to the culture and preparation embedded in the program.

A Legacy That Will Endure

As the lights dimmed inside Colonial Life Arena and the last of the fans filed out, one thing was clear:

Te-Hina Paopao may have only spent one season in Columbia, but her legacy will be felt for years to come.

Her story — of trust, of belief, of taking a leap and finding a home — resonates deeply within a college sports world often marked by uncertainty and constant change.

“She chose us,” Coach Staley said. “And we’ll never forget that.”

Paopao’s jersey might not hang in the rafters just yet, but her imprint is already etched into the hearts of thousands.

Whether she’s suiting up for a WNBA team next or finding another path in the sport she loves, one truth remains:

Te-Hina Paopao gave everything she had to South Carolina — and in return, South Carolina gave her a place to belong.