Former South Carolina Women’s Basketball stars Te-Hina Paopao and Sania Feagin have survived the preseason and have officially made their WNBA rosters!
Te-Hina Paopao and Sania Feagin: South Carolina Stars Make WNBA Dreams Reality
As the 2025 WNBA season tips off, two former standouts from the South Carolina Gamecocks program—Te-Hina Paopao and Sania Feagin—have reached a milestone that so many young basketball players only dream of. After surviving rigorous training camps and a grueling preseason, both Paopao and Feagin have officially earned spots on their respective WNBA rosters. Their journey from collegiate stardom under legendary coach Dawn Staley to professional athletes is not just a triumph for them personally, but a powerful reflection of South Carolina’s dominance in developing elite-level talent.
Let’s explore the stories, struggles, and shining moments that have led both players to this moment, and what their professional future holds.
The South Carolina Legacy: A Pipeline to the Pros
South Carolina Women’s Basketball has become one of the most prominent powerhouses in the NCAA under Coach Dawn Staley. From producing generational talents like A’ja Wilson, Aliyah Boston, Zia Cooke, and Destanni Henderson, to consistently reaching the Final Four and national championship games, the program has set an exceptionally high bar.
Paopao and Feagin’s inclusion on WNBA rosters further proves that South Carolina is not just about winning titles but also about preparing women for the next level. Their transition is a validation of years of hard work, discipline, and guidance from a system that grooms winners on and off the court.
Te-Hina Paopao: The Sharpshooter with a Warrior’s Heart
College Career and Transfer to South Carolina
Te-Hina Paopao’s basketball story begins long before South Carolina. A McDonald’s All-American and elite recruit out of California, she initially played for the Oregon Ducks, where she made an immediate impact as a freshman. Her sharp shooting, high basketball IQ, and calm under pressure made her one of the best guards in the Pac-12.
However, after three seasons in Eugene, Paopao transferred to South Carolina for her final collegiate season—a move that turned out to be one of the most significant of her career.
Under Dawn Staley’s tutelage, she evolved her game further, becoming a complete player and a vocal leader for the Gamecocks during their 2024-25 campaign.
Stats and Key Contributions
During her lone season at South Carolina, Paopao averaged:
11.7 points per game
4.3 assists per game
2.8 rebounds per game
44% shooting from 3-point range
She became the Gamecocks’ most reliable perimeter shooter and often took the toughest defensive assignments. Her performance in high-stakes games, including the SEC Tournament and the NCAA Tournament, showcased her value beyond the stat sheet.
Making the WNBA Roster
Drafted in the second round, Paopao entered training camp with something to prove. The WNBA’s limited roster spots and intense competition meant no guarantees—even for talented college stars.
But Paopao’s professional mindset, court vision, and elite 3-point shooting earned her a coveted spot. Coaches praised her maturity, poise, and ability to run the offense under pressure. In a league that values floor-spacing and decision-making, Paopao was the perfect fit.
What She Brings to the WNBA
Shooting Range: Few rookies shoot as efficiently from deep as Paopao.
Leadership: She commands respect and directs traffic like a seasoned vet.
Versatility: She can play both point guard and shooting guard effectively.
Her new team—[Insert Team Here if known]—gains a reliable contributor who may soon work her way into the starting lineup.
Sania Feagin: The Relentless Forward Finally Gets Her Moment
Her Path to Prominence
While Paopao’s journey to the WNBA was marked by highlight reels and headlines, Sania Feagin’s road was one of perseverance and patience. A five-star recruit out of Georgia and a top-10 player in the class of 2021, Feagin joined South Carolina with high expectations.
But in her first two seasons, she found herself behind a loaded frontcourt that featured Aliyah Boston and Kamilla Cardoso. Feagin’s minutes were limited, but she remained committed—grinding in practice, learning from veterans, and making the most of her opportunities.
By her junior year, she carved out a more consistent role. Her final season saw her emerge as a true force in the paint, providing rebounding, rim protection, and energy off the bench.
Statistical Growth and Impact
In her final college season, Feagin averaged:
7.4 points per game
5.9 rebounds per game
1.2 blocks per game
52% shooting from the field
But numbers only tell part of the story. Feagin’s defense, hustle plays, and infectious energy often shifted momentum in close games. She was the kind of player every championship team needs—a glue player who does the dirty work.
Earning Her Spot in the WNBA
Feagin entered the WNBA Draft as a sleeper pick, selected in the third round—often considered a long shot to make the roster. But those who doubted her underestimated her determination.
In training camp, she brought relentless effort, impressed coaches with her footwork, and proved she could hold her own against some of the league’s best post players. She secured her roster spot not with flash, but with grit.
What This Means for South Carolina’s Legacy
The success of Paopao and Feagin further solidifies South Carolina’s reputation as an elite developmental program. Dawn Staley consistently finds a way to develop both stars and role players who are WNBA-ready. What separates South Carolina from others is how they prepare their athletes for the professional game—not just physically, but mentally.
Over the last decade, the Gamecocks have become a launching pad for WNBA careers. Paopao and Feagin’s journeys show that whether you’re a transfer star or a role player waiting your turn, there’s a path from Columbia to the league.
Fan Reactions and Community Support
Gamecock Nation erupted with pride upon hearing that both women had made their WNBA rosters. Social media was flooded with congratulatory messages from fans, former teammates, and even Coach Staley herself.
“@TehinaPaopao and @SaniaFeagin – PROUD doesn’t even begin to describe it! You worked for this moment, and you EARNED it. #GamecocksToPros 💪🏽”
— Dawn Staley via X (formerly Twitter)
The WNBA community has also welcomed them warmly, celebrating their perseverance and talent. Their stories resonate with fans—especially young athletes who dream of making it big through hard work and self-belief.
Challenges Ahead
The WNBA is unforgiving. With only 12 teams and 144 total roster spots, the competition is fierce. Making the roster is one thing—staying there is another. Paopao and Feagin will need to continue proving themselves every game, every practice.
For Paopao, consistency with her shot and adapting to the pace of pro defenses will be key.
For Feagin, developing a mid-range game and continuing to grow offensively will help expand her minutes.
But if their collegiate journeys have shown us anything, it’s that both women are more than capable of rising to the occasion.
The Future Is Bright
As rookies, both Paopao and Feagin are entering a league that is experiencing exponential growth. From new media deals to increased fan engagement and merchandise sales, the WNBA is hotter than ever. The 2025 season promises to be a landmark one, and the addition of young, exciting talent like Paopao and Feagin only adds to that momentum.
Their development will be closely watched—not only by South Carolina fans but by anyone who appreciates passion, work ethic, and determination.
From Columbia to the WNBA
Te-Hina Paopao and Sania Feagin’s stories are different, yet equally powerful.
One, a polished guard with a sharp shot and big-game leadership.
The other, a hardworking forward who never gave up on her dream.
Together, they embody what it means to be a Gamecock. Their presence in the WNBA adds another chapter to South Carolina’s growing legend, and they serve as inspirations to the next generation of female hoopers.
As they lace up for their first full seasons as professionals, one thing is certain: the Gamecock family, and indeed the entire basketball world, will be watching.
And cheering.
