On a recent WNBA preseason game, Atlanta Dream’s rookie guard Te-Hina Paopao captured widespread attention during a heartfelt moment involving Caitlin Clark’s former college teammate. While playing against the Indiana Fever, Paopao was caught enthusiastically applauding Aliyah Boston, despite representing the opposing team. This Caitlin Clark viral cheering moment stemmed from a deep bond formed during their time as rivals and teammates linked by shared collegiate roots, drawing fans into a touching illustration of athlete camaraderie beyond competition.
From West Coast Roots to SEC Stardom: Paopao’s Journey Through College
Te-Hina Paopao began her basketball journey on the West Coast, hailing from La Jolla and initially committing to the University of Oregon. However, when Dawn Staley, the esteemed coach at the University of South Carolina, reached out, Paopao felt compelled to answer the call. Reflecting on that decision, she said,
“
E le mafai ona taofi le sao o le vasa,
you can’t stop the tide of the ocean.”
The pull toward South Carolina represented more than basketball; it was a call to join a family.
Paopao described her humble start at South Carolina, sharing,
“
All I really needed was a bed and where to sleep at, and play basketball at,
”
highlighting the determination she carried into the Southeastern Conference. The move proved fruitful, as she helped lead the Gamecocks to an undefeated season, sweeping the regular season, conference tournament, and the national championship in 2024. Notably, her team toppled Iowa, which featured superstar guard Caitlin Clark, marking a significant triumph in her early career.
The Enduring Connection of the Gamecock Sisterhood
Paopao’s enthusiasm during the WNBA preseason game reflects the enduring connections forged under Coach Staley’s leadership. Though no longer college teammates, the bond between Paopao and Aliyah Boston remained strong. On the iHeart podcast with Khristina Williams, Paopao explained the viral moment:
“
I thought we were shooting the free throw, but I was talking to my teammate and I just saw a shot going and then I just started flapping and it happened to be Aliyah.
”
This accidental celebration showed how deeply ingrained loyalty and pride are among South Carolina alumni. She added with a shrug,
“
And so I was like, you know what, that’s cool. I mean, you know, Gamecock alumni, why not?
”
Although Paopao and Boston never shared a college court together, both carried the championship spirit from their respective title seasons—Boston’s in 2022 and Paopao’s in 2024—into their WNBA careers. Their shared connection exemplifies the unbreakable ties created at South Carolina, a program renowned for fostering lifelong relationships.
Bree Hall: Bridging Championship Generations at South Carolina
Adding to the Gamecock legacy in the WNBA is Bree Hall, a versatile guard who played alongside both Boston and Paopao during her decorated collegiate tenure. Hall, the 20th overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft, secured national championships at both ends of her South Carolina career—one in 2022 with Boston and another in 2024 with Paopao.
Hall’s transition to the professional level further highlights these interwoven bonds. After graduating with Paopao in 2025, Aliyah Boston shared a photo of their reunion on social media, accompanied by the heartfelt reflection, “Where has the time gone?” This caption underscored the deep mentorship Boston provided to Hall during their time together in Columbia.
The story continued on draft night when the Indiana Fever selected Bree Hall, reuniting her with Boston in the WNBA. Boston enthusiastically tweeted about the moment, calling it a
“
BIG BREEZY REUNION … im literally crying rn,
”
highlighting the emotional significance of these overlapping careers. Hall remains a free agent, yet her impending contributions alongside Paopao and Boston continue to excite fans and teammates alike.
Dawn Staley’s Impact Resonates Beyond College Basketball
The relationships formed under Dawn Staley’s guidance stand out as a defining feature of her South Carolina program. Staley’s influence creates a sense of family that extends beyond the court and into professional basketball. She once remarked,
“
Being in Columbia, South Carolina, it’s like being at no other place,
”
emphasizing how strong the cultural and personal connections are within her team.
This unique atmosphere is reflected repeatedly in the WNBA, where South Carolina alumni support each other publicly and privately. Social media highlights show former Gamecocks cheering on current teammates‘ performances, as seen in celebratory posts featuring players like Paopao, Boston, A’ja Wilson, and Kamilla Cardoso. This tight-knit network of players demonstrates the enduring pride and collective spirit fostered by Staley’s leadership.
A Glimpse into the Future: What This Means for the WNBA
Te-Hina Paopao’s viral moment of cheering for Aliyah Boston offers more than a heartwarming anecdote; it signals the powerful impact of shared histories in college basketball influencing the WNBA community. As these former college champions continue their professional journeys, the bonds formed in South Carolina hint at a collaborative spirit that could shape team dynamics and fan engagement league-wide.
With Bree Hall entering free agency but closely linked to Boston and Paopao, the Gamecock trio’s future in the league remains one to watch. Their connected stories demonstrate how collegiate culture and leadership can translate into lifelong support, both on and off the court, fostering a hopeful outlook for the evolving WNBA landscape.