Dawn Staley’s pride shines brightest when her former players make waves in the WNBA. Watching Allisha Gray break franchise records while Te-Hina Paopao establishes herself as a rookie to watch, the South Carolina coach sees her program’s championship DNA thriving at the professional level. These aren’t just individual success stories but proof that Gamecock culture travels well beyond Columbia.
How Are Allisha Gray and Te-Hina Paopao Carrying Forward South Carolina’s Legacy?
Gray made WNBA history when the Atlanta Dream’s official page tweeted: “@graytness_15 is now the Atlanta Dream’s All-Time Single-Season Scoring Leader.”
She broke the scoring record previously held by franchise legend Angel McCoughtry, whose best score in a Dream season was 716 points. Gray’s achievement represents more than just numbers on a scoreboard – it shows how Staley’s demanding standards translate to professional excellence.
Dawn Staley tweeted with pride: “I see you @Graytness_15!! You are iron woman! Congrats on the milestone JT you aren’t done yet!!!”
A minute later, she also tweeted: “Pao….Pao Pao! @tehinapaopaoo proud of you! The O and the D I see!”
Gray’s record-breaking season reflects the championship mentality Staley instills at the University of South Carolina. The veteran guard dominated on both ends of the court, posting career-high numbers while helping Atlanta secure their playoff position.
What Makes Dawn Staley’s Professional Development System So Effective?
Earlier in 2025, Gray made history by sweeping the WNBA Skills Challenge and 3-Point Contest, prompting Staley to tweet: “Lish with the sweep! @WNBA champ of the skills challenge and the 3pt challenge.”
Gray credits her college coach for her professional success: “She prepares you to be a pro, and you’re definitely molded into a pro at the University of South Carolina.”
The connection between coach and player remains strong despite the distance. “Even if I go for a while without talking with her, our relationship is good enough where we’re able to pick up exactly where we left off,” Gray explains.
Meanwhile, Te-Hina Paopao has turned heads during her rookie campaign with the Dream. The young guard’s defensive intensity and smart shot selection have caught Staley’s attention from afar. “She’s comfortable and there is nothing like comfort… I’m really impressed with her defense,” Staley noted about her former player.
Paopao fondly remembers her time in Columbia: “I felt that family when I came here and that culture when I came here.” She’s also enjoying her new professional freedoms, joking: “I also didn’t have to ask permission to leave the hotel, I thought that was so cool!”
Staley continues cheering from afar, often posting live reactions during Dream games: “What’s my other @GamecockWBB doing in this @AtlantaDream game?!!”
Her pride in both players proves that the Gamecocks’ championship culture extends beyond college basketball, creating lasting bonds that fuel professional excellence. Gray and Paopao’s success shows how Staley’s system prepares players not just to win games but to thrive at the highest level of their sport.