Why Dawn Staley Refers to Star Guard Te-Hina Paopao as an ‘Elevator’

Following a 66-62 loss to Texas on Sunday, Paopao made a bold statement, promising that future teams facing South Carolina women’s basketball will have a tough time. She also acknowledged that she needed to step up as a better leader.

Fast forward to Thursday, Paopao was in a rhythm from the start. As the ball left her hands at Colonial Life Arena, the crowd was already on its feet in anticipation. There was no hesitation in her game. She was fluid, confident, and finished the first quarter with 11 points.

The No. 4-ranked Gamecocks (23-2, 11-1 SEC) delivered on Paopao’s promise, dominating Florida with a 101-63 victory.

Paopao wrapped up the game with 14 points, seven assists, and seven rebounds, playing just 20 minutes in the matchup against the Gators (12-13, 3-8).

South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley praised Paopao’s influence on the team, saying, “She’s an elevator, she elevates our team.” Staley explained, “When Pao hits a 3-pointer, it allows all of us to exhale because she’s been that potent for us from an offensive standpoint. In the Texas game, we were kind of willing her shots to go in because we know what that means.”

In her second year at South Carolina after transferring from Oregon, Paopao has evolved into a more complete player, not just relying on her stellar 3-point shooting but also adding layups and mid-range jumpers to her game, adapting to what the defense offers her.

Her focus is clear: Paopao just wants to win. And under Coach Staley’s guidance, she’s only tasted defeat twice at South Carolina—both losses, according to Staley, “surely didn’t feel good.” As Paopao nears the end of her college career, Staley sees a player who’s giving her all in every game.

The Gamecocks’ offensive success early on was sparked by Paopao. She opened the scoring with a quick three-pointer, and then contributed to 15 of the next 17 points—either scoring or assisting.

Aware that sophomore guard MiLaysia Fulwiley thrives in transition, Paopao demonstrated her awareness, chasing down a long rebound with 3:54 left in the first quarter. Seeing Fulwiley sprinting behind the defense, Paopao delivered a perfectly timed pass that led to a slick finish by Fulwiley.

“She’s a playmaker,” Staley said of Paopao. “We want the ball in her hands, we want her coming off screens, we want her playmaking for us along with putting the ball in the hole, especially outside the 3-point line, also just facilitating. Paopao just took more of an effort to playmake today and we need that.”