"Not a lot of people have the opportunity that I do": Dawn Staley's star guard Te-Hina Paopao opens up on South Carolina graduation

Te-Hina Paopao achieved one of her life goals this month after she graduated from the University of South Carolina. Dawn Staley's star guard opened up about her graduation in an interview with the media during Saturday's practice ahead of the Gamecocks' weekend clash with the Wofford Terriers.

A reporter asked Paopao if she felt any different now that she is a graduate. That question drew a huge smile from the Oceanside, California, native, who danced as she celebrated her accomplishment. She immediately said, "No," drawing laughs from the reporters inside the practice venue.

"I’m just really blessed to be a graduate. It’s really fun to say I’m a graduate now," Paopao said.

Another reporter chimed in, asking the 5-foot-9 guard what it meant for her to have a degree from South Carolina.

"It means a lot," Paopao said. "Not a lot of people have the opportunity like I do. And just to be able to get a degree from here, from an amazing institution, it’s a blessing to have and I really love it."

Paopao transferred to South Carolina in 2023 after spending her first three years at Oregon. She entered the transfer portal after starting three seasons for the Ducks. Much to Paopao's surprise, Dawn Staley contacted her to gauge her interest in moving to Columbia to play for the Gamecocks.

Te-Hina Paopao heeded Staley's call for her to fill the leadership void at South Carolina following the departure of the players from the Class of 2019. That move has proved beneficial for both parties, with Paopao leading the Gamecocks to their third NCAA title last April. She was named a finalist for the Nancy Lieberman Award after averaging 11.0 points and 3.7 assists in the 2023-24 season.

Te-Hina Paopao seeking back-to-back NCAA titles in final year of eligibility

South Carolina's title defense is right on track, with the Gamecocks winning all but one of their first 12 games in the 2024-25 NCAA season. Te-Hina Paopao has been instrumental to South Carolina's strong start, averaging a team-best 11.3 points per game. She is shooting 49.1% from the field and 42.9% from the 3-point area.

Te-Hina Paopao (#0) of the South Carolina Gamecocks hoists the national championship trophy after defeating the Iowa Hawkeyes in the 2024 NCAA title game on April 7 in Cleveland, Ohio. Photo: Getty

Paopao has been a workhorse for the Gamecocks, averaging 25.5 minutes per game. She has scored in double figures in seven of South Carolina's 12 games this season, including a 23-point explosion in the Gamecocks' 71-57 win over then-No. 9 North Carolina State on Nov. 10.