Te-Hina Paopao Star Guard Leads South Carolina to Championship Game
Te-Hina Paopao is set to take center stage in the 2025 Women’s March Madness NCAA Championship Game after playing a key role in South Carolina’s Final Four triumph over Texas. The Gamecocks dominated their semifinal match, with Paopao contributing 14 points, three rebounds, and one assist. Her performance helped book South Carolina’s place in the final, where they aim to secure their second title in just three years.
Born in Oceanside, California, Paopao has built a strong college basketball resume. During her time at Oregon, she earned both All-Pac-12 honors and an All-Freshman selection—one of just two players to achieve both in the same season. In her sophomore year, she averaged 13.6 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game, repeating her All-Pac-12 honors. Her junior season saw her average 13.1 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 3.3 assists, earning her an All-Pac-12 honorable mention.
In 2023, she transferred to South Carolina and quickly made an impact. Paopao was the nation’s most accurate three-point shooter, with a remarkable 48.6% shooting percentage from beyond the arc. She played a vital role in South Carolina’s NCAA title win that season and now seeks to add another championship to her growing legacy.
Family Roots and Athletic Background of NCAA Championship Game
Te-Hina Paopao hails from a family with a rich sporting background. Her father, Paul Paopao, and her mother, Diana Paopao, have been strong supporters of her basketball journey from the beginning. Encouraged by her father, Te-Hina began training at an early age, even joining her older brothers’ workouts as early as 4 a.m. At just 10 years old, she was already the starting point guard for a U16 team.
The Paopao family is well-versed in athletics. Her uncle, Joe Salave’a, is a former NFL defensive tackle who later became a college football coach. That football legacy has influenced her older brothers—Israel and Isaia—who chose to pursue careers in football. Te-Hina also has an older sister named Tiare and a younger brother, Iosefa Paopao Meinke-Aviu.
In addition to football, the family’s athletic prowess extends to softball. Te-Hina is the cousin of Megan Faraimo, a talented softball player who has made waves in her own right. With strong athletic genes and a support system grounded in discipline and encouragement, Paopao has flourished on the court.
Cultural Heritage and Personal Drive
Te-Hina Paopao’s identity is shaped by her Samoan and Tokelauan heritage, which traces back to her parents, Paul and Diana, both of whom are American citizens from Oceanside, California. While public information about her mother remains limited, her father has been a visible and active influence in her basketball development.
In past interviews, Te-Hina has spoken warmly about her father’s role in motivating her to stay focused and push her limits from a young age. That early dedication and work ethic are evident in her game today, as she stands on the brink of potentially securing her second NCAA title. With her family’s legacy and her cultural roots fueling her journey, Paopao continues to make her mark in collegiate basketball.
