Those were the words that echoed throughout the South Carolina locker room as Te-Hina Paopao officially bid farewell to her time with the Gamecocks. After a season that saw incredible highs, leadership moments, and a deep bond formed among teammates, her departure has left an emotional mark on the players who stood beside her.
Bree Hall, who developed a close on-court chemistry with Paopao, expressed her admiration and gratitude. “Te-Hina wasn’t just a teammate, she was like a sister,” Hall shared. “Her energy, her poise, and the way she handled pressure—it rubbed off on all of us. I’ve learned so much just watching her lead.” Hall’s voice cracked slightly as she spoke, a reminder of the genuine connections formed behind the scenes.
Raven Johnson, known for her own court leadership, admitted that Paopao’s presence brought a different dynamic to the team. “She brought calm to the chaos. Whether we were up by 20 or down by 10, she had this way of keeping us grounded,” Johnson said. “But more than that, she was selfless. She never cared about the spotlight—just about winning together. That’s rare.”
Chloe Kitts reflected on the off-court moments that defined their bond. “Some of my favorite memories aren’t even from games,” she laughed. “It’s the dance-offs in the locker room, the late-night talks after practice, her making sure everyone was good—physically and mentally. She just cared, you know?”
Te-Hina Paopao’s time with South Carolina may have been relatively short, but her impact will last. Her leadership, steady hand, and fierce competitiveness helped elevate a team already full of talent to even greater heights. But it wasn’t just what she did—it was how she made her teammates feel: confident, united, and focused.
As she moves on to pursue her dreams at the next level, the sentiment shared among her teammates is the same: gratitude and love.
“She set the tone for what it means to lead with heart,” Johnson added. “We’re gonna miss her, but we’re cheering loud for whatever comes next.”
So, while it’s time for new chapters, the bonds remain unshaken. For Bree, Raven, Chloe, and the rest of the Gamecocks, this isn’t the end. Just a heartfelt, “See you later.”
