SEATTLE -- A key reason for the Atlanta Dream’s 5-2 start is the play of their rookie point guard, Te-Hina Paopao (Tuh-HEE-nuh Pow-Pow). After playing for the Oregon Ducks and South Carolina Gamecocks in college, she was selected 18th in the 2025 WNBA draft. She has played many roles in her first month as a pro, including as a starter. As Paopao continues to solidify her place in the league, her experience and skill show that she fits perfectly in Atlanta.

When Paopao played her final two seasons with South Carolina, she learned from Hall-of-Fame coach and former WNBA star, Dawn Staley. She talked about the biggest thing she learned from her coach that helped her prepare for the league.

“The biggest lesson I learned from (Staley) was to create pro habits and be disciplined,” Paopao said before the Dream’s 94-87 win over the Seattle Storm. “Those are two of the key takeaways I took from her, and just how you had to rely on those, especially when things aren’t going as you want them to go.”

With Paopao ready to enter the league, she wanted her discipline and habits to be a representation of what she learned from Staley in college. Her road to the WNBA became challenging after being drafted in the second round. Oftentimes, picks in the later rounds don’t make final rosters, but Paopao stood out during training camp. With Atlanta, she played behind their starting point guard, Jordin Canada. However, in their preseason game against the Washington Mystics, Canada injured her knee, which opened up a new role for Paopao. When she found out about the extent of her teammate’s absence, she commented on her talent and knowing what job was at hand.

“At the time I knew that (Canada) was going to get better, and we don’t like injuries, but I knew she was going to get better and heal up,” Paopao said. “She’s a great point guard, and I knew coming in that I had to do my job and do what I can do to help my teammates get easier shots and just be able to win games.”

Although she knew her teammate would recover from her injury, Paopao was ready to slot into a new role as a starter and help her teammates. Through her first month as a pro, she has impressed many of her peers, including her coaches. Atlanta Head Coach Karl Smesko talked about Paopao’s mentality and how she’s able to play the primary point guard position.

“What I’m most impressed by (is) she’s not afraid of the moment,” Smesko said. “(Paopao’s) shooting has helped space the floor. Without Jordin (Canada), she’s been somebody who’s had to play some primary ball handler responsibilities, and she’s done well with that.”

Paopao has shown she isn’t afraid of stepping up as the primary ball handler, and her coaches recognized that when she joined the organization. Her no-fear mentality has been something she’s always had. When talking about why she isn’t afraid to step up at any moment, Paopao recalled growing up with her siblings and how their competitiveness fuels her.

“(My mentality comes from) Growing up with four brothers and one sister and being able to have that family atmosphere,” she explained. “It was hard growing up with them because they’re older and they’re always competitive, so just being able to stay calm during that type of pressure. I got to shout out my family for that.”

Paopao learned from growing up in her family to stay calm during moments under pressure, and that’s served her well in her young WNBA career. Although navigating the league can be difficult for rookies, she is surrounded by the right veterans to help her. Paopao’s teammate, All-Star guard Allisha Gray (AL-leesh-uh), highlighted how difficult being a rookie can be, especially as a point guard. She talked about how she’s always prepared and her reliability to make key plays for the team.

“It’s hard coming in as a rookie, but especially as a rookie point guard,” Gray said after their win against the Storm. “(Paopao) always comes in ready when her name is called, and she always makes big baskets for us.”

Paopao’s willingness to step up as a rookie has not gone unnoticed by the people who surround her and will serve her well throughout her career. Her teammates and coaches aren’t the only ones who recognize her development this season. Seattle’s Head Coach Noelle Quinn complimented Paopao’s confidence and her effectiveness in Atlanta’s offense.

“(Paopao)’s playing confidently,” Quinn said. “She’s kind of playing like a vet out there. If you look at what she’s doing in pick-and-rolls with the players that she has, she’s pretty positive…though she’s a rookie, she’s a very solid rookie.”

Whoever Paopao goes up against is quick to realize what she brings to the court this year, and she’s on track to become better as she develops. While she is representing her family in the WNBA, she is also showcasing her heritage. Paopao represents the Polynesian culture, specifically Samoan (suh-MO-uhn) and Tokelau (Tow-kuh-lau) heritage. She is the second Polynesian player to be drafted into the WNBA, behind Minnesota Lynx forward Alissa Pili (uh-LISS-uh PIE-lee), who was drafted in 2024. Paopao discussed how it feels to represent her culture and where she’s from on the biggest basketball stage in America.

“I love (representing my culture),” Paopao said. “I had 180 family members that came out and supported me (in LA)...I’m just really happy that ATL has also accepted (my culture) as well, and I’m ready to continue to push that agenda forward.”

As Paopao continues to represent her culture playing the sport she loves, she has earned the right to do so at the highest level. Although she played well in the first month, she was poked in the eye during Atlanta’s 83-75 win against the Dallas Wings. After missing a game, Paopao has been easing back to full health. As she works back to full health, Paopao will soon be ready to contribute to Atlanta’s dream of a championship.