Image Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Who Are Te-Hina Paopao’s Parents? A Look at Te-Hina Paopao’s Parents Ahead of the WNBA Draft

Te-Hina Paopao's uncle, Joe Salave'a played in the NFL as a defensive tackle.

Image Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Te-Hina Paopao would be a player to watch out for in the WNBA. The former Gamecocks guard was the 18th overall pick in the second round of the 2025 WNBA draft. Paopao will now play for the Atlanta Dreams in upcoming WNBA season.

The former South Carolina student guided her team to consecutive NCAA championship games this year. Te-Hina Paopao scored 14 points, three rebounds and one assist against Texas in the Final Four.

Born in Oceanside, California, Te-Hina Paopao earned All-Pac-12 honors and All-Freshmen selection in his first year at college basketball. She is one of only two players in the league to earn both honors. Paopao averaged 13.6 points, 4.2 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game in her sophomore year, including an All-Pac-12 selection.

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In her junior season, she earned All-Pac-12 honorable mention and averaged 13.1 points, 4.2 rebounds 3.3 assists per game. After impressive performances at Oregon, Paopao moved to South Carolina in 2023 and won her maiden NCAA Championship. She was the country’s top percentage 3-point shooter, hitting a career-high 48.6 percent from beyond the arc. Let’s get to know about her parents, who helped her in initial years of college basketball.

Who Are Te-Hina Paopao’s Parents?

Te-Hina Paopao is the daughter of Paul Paopao and Diana. Her father is reportedly an American national. Paopao started playing basketball in her school days and was the starting point guard for a U16 team at the age of 10. Her parents supported her throughout her journey from school to college basketball.

South Carolina guard, Paopao belongs to a football family. Her uncle Joe Salave’a played in the NFL as a defensive tackle and later, became a college football coach. Te-Hina is also a cousin of softball player Megan Faraimo.

Paopao has 2 elder brothers, Israel and Isaia, an older sister, Tiare, and a younger brother, Iosefa Paopao Meinke-Aviu. Her brothers decided to pursue a career in football due to her uncle’s NFL influence.

Who is Te-Hina Paopao’s Mother?

Te-Hina Paopao’s mother is Diana Paopao. There is no credible information about her mother.

Who is Te-Hina Paopao’s Father?

Te-Hina Paopao’s father is Paul Paopao and he has really helped her daughter to start her basketball career. During an interview, Te-Hina talked about his father and how he motivated her to get up and do something at 7 years old. She used to join her brother’s workouts at 4 a.m.

What Nationality Are Te-Hina Paopao’s Parents?

Te-Hina Paopao’s parents, Paul Paopao and Diana Paopao are American citizens who hail from Oceanside, California. She is of Samoan and Tokelauan descent.

Image Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

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A native of Jaipur, Rajasthan, journalist, and a complete soccer and basketball fan, he found the huge interest with basketball by watching videos of Allen Iverson and Tony Parker, but fell head over heels in love with the sport during the Warriors’ championship era (2015-2018). A sports game addict since his late PS1, he’s also passionate about the Eagles, Inter Miami and the Fever. He’s fortunate to have seen all his favorite teams win championships. He also has a special love for cricket and football (soccer), where he is a fan of Royal Challengers Bangalore and Barcelona.