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Dawn Staley\u2019s 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\u2019s championship DNA thriving at the professional level. These aren\u2019t just individual success stories but proof that Gamecock culture travels well beyond Columbia.<\/p>\n
How Are Allisha Gray and Te-Hina Paopao Carrying Forward South Carolina\u2019s Legacy?<\/p>\n
Gray made WNBA history when the Atlanta Dream\u2019s official page tweeted<\/a>: \u201c@graytness_15 is now the Atlanta Dream\u2019s All-Time Single-Season Scoring Leader.\u201d<\/p>\n She broke the scoring record previously held by franchise legend Angel McCoughtry, whose best score in a Dream season was 716 points. Gray\u2019s achievement represents more than just numbers on a scoreboard \u2013 it shows how Staley\u2019s demanding standards translate to professional excellence.<\/p>\n Dawn Staley tweeted<\/a> with pride: \u201cI see you @Graytness_15!! You are iron woman! Congrats on the milestone JT you aren\u2019t done yet!!!\u201d<\/p>\n A minute later, she also tweeted<\/a>: \u201cPao\u2026.Pao Pao! @tehinapaopaoo proud of you! The O and the D I see!\u201d<\/p>\n Gray\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n What Makes Dawn Staley\u2019s Professional Development System So Effective?<\/p>\n Earlier in 2025, Gray made history by sweeping the WNBA Skills Challenge and 3-Point Contest, prompting Staley to tweet<\/a>: \u201cLish with the sweep! @WNBA champ of the skills challenge and the 3pt challenge.\u201d<\/p>\n Gray credits<\/a> her college coach for her professional success: \u201cShe prepares you to be a pro, and you\u2019re definitely molded into a pro at the University of South Carolina.\u201d<\/p>\n MORE: Dawn Staley Reveals Aliyah Boston\u2019s Training With 5-Time NBA Champion Before South Carolina\u2019s Title Win<\/a><\/p>\n The connection between coach and player remains strong despite the distance. \u201cEven if I go for a while without talking with her, our relationship is good enough where we\u2019re able to pick up exactly where we left off,\u201d Gray explains.<\/p>\n Meanwhile, Te-Hina Paopao has turned heads during her rookie campaign with the Dream. The young guard\u2019s defensive intensity and smart shot selection have caught Staley\u2019s attention from afar. \u201cShe\u2019s comfortable and there is nothing like comfort\u2026 I\u2019m really impressed with her defense,\u201d Staley noted about her former player.<\/p>\n