Te-Hina Paopao, the newest star for the Atlanta Dream in the WNBA, is making waves for her basketball skills, rich cultural identity, and tight-knit family.
Born Te-Hina Olive-Talaave Paopao in Oceanside, California, she has a rich heritage that shapes her on and off the court.
Te-Hina grew up in a bustling household in Oceanside, surrounded by her parents, Paul and Diana Paopao, and her four siblings: older brothers Israel and Isaia, older sister Tiare, and younger brother Iosefa Paopao Meinke-Aviu.
Sports were the heartbeat of the Paopao family. Her brothers tackled football, her sister swung for the fences in softball, and her younger brother found his passion in paintball.
For Te-Hina, basketball became her calling, and her family was there every step of the way.
Her father, Paul Paopao, instilled in her the values of hard work and sacrifice. He taught her that success doesn’t come easy, it’s earned through dedication and embracing challenges.
Diana, her mother, provided continuous emotional support, keeping Te-Hina grounded as her dreams grew.
Together, Paul and Diana created a home where discipline and love thrived, shaping Te-Hina into the resilient athlete she is today.
Te-Hina often speaks about how her family’s encouragement has been her anchor.
Their support has been constant, whether cheering at her games or offering advice during tough moments.
Her basketball journey has even brought extended family members closer, strengthening tight bonds.
From Oceanside to Columbia, South Carolina, and now to Atlanta, the Paopao family’s love has been her greatest asset.
Te-Hina Paopao Is Proud Of Her Polynesian Heritage
Te-Hina Paopao comes from a diverse background that includes Samoan and Tokelauan heritage, with a unique thread of Somali heritage.
She proudly embraces her Polynesian roots, which have deeply influenced her values, identity, and approach to life.
She shared in a recent interview.
“I’m blessed to be Samoan. When you think of Samoan, you think of family, unity, and togetherness, and that’s what you see here today with me behind me. I’m just so blessed to have them in my life, and I’m fortunate. I’m just ready to bring that culture to Atlanta.”
Via ESPN
This pride was displayed during the 2025 WNBA Draft, which was held on April 14 at The Shed at Hudson Yards in Manhattan, New York.
While many players attended the event in person, Te-Hina watched the draft from home in Oceanside, surrounded by her family.
She wore traditional Samoan attire, a powerful nod to her culture, as she learned she had been selected as the Atlanta Dream’s 18th pick.
The moment was electric, a celebration of her journey and her heritage. Te-Hina’s connection to her Samoan and Tokelauan roots goes beyond symbolism.
She credits her success to the values of community, perseverance, and respect central to Polynesian culture.
These principles have guided her through the highs and lows of her basketball career, from her early days in California to her professional debut in Atlanta.
Athletics runs deep in the Paopao family, extending beyond her immediate siblings.
Her uncle, Joe Salave’a, carved out a career as a defensive tackle in the NFL before becoming a successful college football coach.
Her cousin, Megan Faraimo, is a standout softball player, adding to the family’s legacy of sports excellence.
Growing up in this environment, Te-Hina was inspired to chase her dreams on the basketball court.
At 10, Te-Hina Was A Point Guard For A U16 Team, Showing Her Talent And Leadership
Te-Hina’s basketball journey began early. At just 10 years old, she was already playing point guard for a U16 team, showcasing her talent and leadership.
She honed her skills at La Jolla Country Day School in California, quickly becoming a standout player. Her high school success led to a stellar college career, starting at the University of Oregon.
As a freshman at Oregon, Te-Hina stepped into the starting point guard role, earning praise from head coach Kelly Graves for her ability to control the game.
Her court vision, quick decision-making, and clutch shooting made her a force to be reckoned with.
After three seasons with the Ducks, she transferred to South Carolina for her senior year, where she was recruited by legendary coach Dawn Staley.
At South Carolina, Te-Hina’s game reached new heights. Staley, a basketball icon, saw her potential as a 3-point shooter and leader.
Under Staley’s guidance, Te-Hina refined her skills and gained experience to propel her to the WNBA.
Her talent and hard work paid off when she was drafted by the Atlanta Dream in 2025.
The moment was a dream come true, but also a testament to the sacrifices she and her family had made throughout the journey.
In a heartfelt post on social media, Te-Hina wrote:
Te-Hina’s talent isn’t limited to the college or professional courts.
In 2021, she represented the United States at the FIBA Under-19 Women’s Basketball World Cup in Hungary, showcasing her skills on an international stage.
The experience was a highlight of her career, allowing her to compete against the world’s best young players while proudly displaying her American nationality and Polynesian heritage.
As Te-Hina Paopao began her WNBA journey with the Atlanta Dream, she carried more than just her basketball skills.
She brings the love of her family, the pride of her Samoan and Tokelauan heritage, and the values that have shaped her into the person she is today. Her story is one of resilience, cultural pride, and the power of family bonds.
As WNBA fans get to know this rising star, one thing is clear: Te-Hina Paopao is here to make her mark, and she’s doing it her way—rooted in family, culture, and an unshakable drive to succeed.
The post WNBA’s Guard Te-Hina Paopao, Celebrating Her Samoan And Tokelauan Roots With Supportive Family And Proud Polynesian Heritage appeared first on Players Bio.