Positive Energy, Leadership, and Basketball IQ: A Tribute to Te-Hina Paopao

In the fast-paced world of collegiate athletics, it’s not often that a player comes along who leaves an indelible mark on a program in such a short span of time. For us, that player was Te-Hina Paopao.

Though she wore our jersey for just two years, her presence radiated far beyond the stat sheets. She brought more than just skill—she brought heart. A leader by nature, a competitor by choice, and a teammate through and through, Te-Hina has set a new standard for what it means to be a student-athlete. And as she takes the next step in her basketball journey, we want to take a moment to reflect on just how much she’s meant to us—and how much we believe in everything that lies ahead for her.

A Force of Nature from the Start

From the moment Te-Hina stepped onto campus, it was clear that she was more than just a talented recruit. There was an aura about her—a quiet confidence and calm intensity that immediately lifted the team. Whether it was the first workout of the summer or a high-stakes conference matchup, Te-Hina brought the same energy, the same focus, the same drive.

She didn’t demand attention. She earned respect.

Her work ethic was obvious. She was the first in the gym, the last to leave, and the one pushing her teammates to go just a little harder, be just a little better. It wasn’t about ego—it was about the team, the culture, and the desire to win the right way.

Basketball IQ Beyond Her Years

Great players make plays. Exceptional players make those around them better. That’s what Te-Hina did every single time she stepped on the floor.

Her basketball IQ is something coaches dream about—a sixth sense that lets her see the play before it unfolds. She understood tempo, spacing, timing, and how to put her teammates in positions to succeed. Whether she was setting the table with pinpoint passes, reading defenses and adjusting on the fly, or stepping up to hit a crucial shot, her decision-making was consistently elite.

She wasn’t just a point guard. She was a floor general. A conductor. A maestro.

But her mind for the game extended beyond the hardwood. Te-Hina was a student of the sport. She studied film meticulously, constantly seeking ways to refine her game and elevate her team. In team meetings and film sessions, she asked the tough questions and offered thoughtful insights. She challenged her coaches and her teammates in the best possible way—by always striving for excellence.

Leadership that Inspired

It’s easy to lead when things are going well. It’s much harder to be that rock when adversity hits. Te-Hina did both with grace and resolve.

Her leadership style was unique. She didn’t need to be the loudest voice in the room, but when she spoke, people listened. She led by example, by consistency, by showing up every day with the same commitment and focus. Her energy was contagious—not just in practice or games, but in the locker room, the classroom, and in the community.

She had a rare ability to connect with everyone, from freshmen adjusting to their first year away from home, to veterans looking to leave a legacy. She was the glue. The bridge between different personalities and roles. She embraced the responsibility that comes with leadership and never shied away from the spotlight when the team needed her most.

In big moments, she stayed composed. In tough moments, she showed resilience. And in every moment, she brought positivity and purpose.

A Teammate Like No Other

Behind every highlight reel and headline is the everyday effort, and that’s where Te-Hina shined the brightest. She was a true teammate—celebrating others’ successes with as much joy as her own, holding herself accountable first, and always putting the team above everything else.

She made those around her feel seen and supported. She remembered birthdays. She lifted spirits after losses. She cracked jokes to keep things light during tough stretches. She made the locker room a better place just by being in it.

And when it came to on-court chemistry? She elevated everyone. Te-Hina had a knack for bringing out the best in her teammates. She understood who needed a pep talk and who needed a challenge. She saw the little things others missed and wasn’t afraid to speak up. Her selflessness and vision helped turn good teams into great ones—and made every player around her believe they could do more, be more.

Impact Beyond the Game

Te-Hina’s influence wasn’t confined to the court. She embraced the responsibility of being a role model. She carried herself with humility and class, using her platform to uplift and inspire others—especially young girls who saw in her a shining example of what’s possible.

She was active in community outreach, always willing to lend a hand or a smile at youth camps, charity events, or local school visits. Her story—marked by perseverance, passion, and purpose—resonated with so many, and she never took that responsibility lightly.

She also embraced the challenges of being a student-athlete. Balancing rigorous academics with the demands of high-level competition is no easy feat, yet she approached it with the same focus and determination that defined her game.

Just Two Years, A Lifetime of Impact

It’s hard to believe Te-Hina was only with us for two years. The legacy she leaves behind feels so much larger.

She helped shape our identity—not just in terms of wins and losses, but in how we play, how we support each other, and how we carry ourselves. She helped set a tone and build a culture that will continue long after she’s gone. Her fingerprints are on this program in ways that statistics and accolades could never fully capture.

And while we’re sad to see her go, we’re even more excited to see what comes next. Because if her time here is any indication, the best is yet to come.

Ready to Cheer You On

As Te-Hina heads to the next level, we’ll be cheering every step of the way.

We’ll miss the cross-court dimes, the lockdown defense, and the clutch buckets—but even more, we’ll miss the smile, the leadership, the presence. We’ll miss the huddles, the high-fives, the post-game celebrations. We’ll miss her.

But we’ll also be watching with pride, knowing that wherever she goes, she’ll continue to shine. Because Te-Hina isn’t just a great player—she’s a great person. And that’s what makes her impact so powerful and lasting.

So thank you, Te-Hina. Thank you for believing in this program. Thank you for giving us everything you had. Thank you for the memories, the lessons, the leadership, and the love.

Wherever your journey takes you—whether it’s on the court, in the community, or beyond—we know you’ll continue to lead with the same integrity, intelligence, and joy that you showed every single day.

You’ve left your mark here forever. And no matter where you go, you’ll always have a family here cheering you on.

Once part of the program, always part of the family.