When Te-Hina Paopao steps onto the court for the South Carolina Gamecocks, her lethal three-point shot and poised leadership capture national attention. But behind the jersey and the rising WNBA draft stock lies a rich, deeply rooted family story that shaped the athlete and person she is today. The journey of this Oregon-born guard of Samoan descent is not just one of individual talent, but of generational athleticism, cultural pride, and a tight-knit family support system that provided the foundation for her success. This is the full story of Te-Hina Paopao’s parents and the athletic lineage that destined her for greatness.
Section 1: The Parents: Tavo and Trina Paopao – The First Coaches
Te-Hina’s foundational work ethic and competitive spirit were instilled at home by her parents, Tavo and Trina Paopao.
Tavo Paopao – The Football Legacy: Te-Hina’s father, Tavo, is a former college football standout. He played as a linebacker for the University of Oregon Ducks in the early 1990s, under coaching legend Rich Brooks. His experience in a top-tier collegiate athletic program provided an invaluable blueprint for his daughter, teaching her about discipline, training regimens, and the mental toughness required to compete at the highest level. He was likely her first and most demanding coach, pushing her on the driveway court.
Trina Paopao – The Heart of the Hustle: While less is publicly documented about her own athletic pursuits, Trina is the bedrock of the family’s support system. She is often credited as the source of Te-Hina’s composure, grace under pressure, and relentless work ethic. Managing a household of athletes, she ensured Te-Hina and her siblings balanced sport with education and family values. Her role embodies the quiet strength that anchors high-achieving families.
Section 2: The Sibling Squad: A Family of Competitors
Athletic excellence wasn’t a solo pursuit in the Paopao household; it was the family business.
The Older Brothers’ Influence: Te-Hina is the youngest of five children, with four older brothers: T.J., Tyson, Tristan, and Trey. Growing up playing against her brothers, who were all skilled basketball players themselves, forged her fearlessness and physicality. She couldn’t afford to play like a “little sister”; she had to battle, adapt, and develop crafty moves to score against bigger, stronger defenders. This daily competition is a classic origin story for many great athletes, creating an unparalleled training environment.
A Legacy at La Jolla Country Day: The Paopao impact was profound at La Jolla Country Day School in California. Her brother Trey Paopao was a star quarterback for the football team, while Te-Hina herself became a McDonald’s All-American and California’s Ms. Basketball on the court. The family name became synonymous with athletic dominance at the school.
Section 3: The Cultural Anchor: Samoan Heritage and “Fa’a Samoa”
Te-Hina’s Samoan heritage is a core part of her identity and strength.
The Meaning of the Name: “Te-Hina” is a beautiful and unique name of Polynesian origin. In interviews, she has spoken proudly about her culture, which emphasizes family (aiga), respect, and communal responsibility—values that clearly translate to her team-first attitude on the court.
Strength and Power: Samoan culture is often associated with physical strength, resilience, and a powerful presence—traits evident in Te-Hina’s ability to absorb contact, fight through screens, and maintain her shooting form under duress. Her game carries a quiet, formidable power that resonates with her roots.
Representation: As a prominent Polynesian woman in NCAA basketball, she carries the flag for a community underrepresented in the sport. Her success inspires young Pacific Islander athletes to see a path for themselves in basketball.
Section 4: The Basketball Journey: From Prolific Recruit to Champion
The family foundation set the stage for a storied career.
High School Phenom: At La Jolla Country Day, she was a 5-star recruit, rated as one of the top guards in the nation. The discipline from her parents and the competition with her brothers culminated in a complete, nationally coveted game.
College Evolution – Oregon to South Carolina: Her initial choice to play for the Oregon Ducks (like her father) was a powerful full-circle moment. After three strong seasons, her decision to transfer to South Carolina for her final collegiate years under Coach Dawn Staley was a masterstroke. It demonstrated a mature understanding of her development needs, leading to a National Championship in 2024 and the refinement of her game into that of a true floor general and clutch shooter.
The WNBA Horizon: Now projected as a first-round WNBA draft pick, her story comes back to family. The lessons from her father’s college experience, the toughness from her brothers, and the unwavering support of her mother have all prepared her for the professional leap.
Conclusion: A Success Story Written in Family
Te-Hina Paopao’s story is a testament to the power of family as an ecosystem for greatness. It wasn’t just about having athletic parents; it was about having a father who knew the path, a mother who managed the journey, brothers who refused to let her be soft, and a cultural identity that gave her inner fortitude. Her smooth jump shot and high basketball IQ are skills she honed, but the confidence and resilience behind them are a family heirloom.
As she prepares for the WNBA, she doesn’t go alone. She carries with her the legacy of a Duck linebacker, the hustle of her mother, the battles with her brothers, and the pride of a Samoan aiga. In a world of individual highlights, Te-Hina Paopao’s success is beautifully, unmistakably, a team effort—with her family as the original and most important team.
