**Against All Odds! Former SC Stars Te-Hina Paopao & Sania Feagin Shock Fans With WNBA Roster Spots**
The road to the WNBA is never easy. For every superstar who glides effortlessly into the league, there are countless others who fight tooth and nail just to earn a roster spot. This year, two former South Carolina Gamecocks—Te-Hina Paopao and Sania Feagin—defied expectations, survived the grueling preseason, and officially secured their places in the WNBA. Their journeys were anything but guaranteed, filled with doubt, fierce competition, and moments where their dreams could have easily slipped away. Yet here they are, proving that resilience, talent, and unwavering determination can overcome even the toughest odds.
Te-Hina Paopao, the dynamic guard known for her clutch shooting and playmaking, wasn’t always seen as a surefire WNBA prospect. Despite a stellar college career that included leading Oregon in scoring before transferring to South Carolina, questions lingered about her fit at the professional level. The WNBA is a league where guards must be elite in at least one area—whether it’s scoring, defense, or facilitating—and Paopao had to convince scouts that her well-rounded game could translate. When she declared for the draft, some analysts had her on the bubble, unsure if she’d hear her name called. But Paopao had one thing working in her favor: an undeniable competitive fire. During preseason workouts, she showcased her ability to stretch the floor with deep three-point shooting, a skill that’s in high demand. More importantly, she demonstrated a willingness to lock in defensively, something that likely sealed her spot. Coaches love players who can contribute in multiple ways, and Paopao’s versatility made her impossible to cut.
Then there’s Sania Feagin, the versatile forward whose path to the WNBA was even more uncertain. Feagin was a key piece of South Carolina’s dominant frontcourt, but in a league that prioritizes athleticism and defensive versatility, she faced an uphill battle. The WNBA is loaded with elite post players, and making a roster as a forward often requires a unique skill set—whether it’s shot-blocking, three-point shooting, or the ability to switch onto guards. Feagin had flashes of brilliance in college, but consistency was the question. However, something clicked during preseason. She came in with a refined offensive game, showing off a reliable mid-range jumper and improved footwork in the paint. Even more impressive was her defensive activity—altering shots, grabbing crucial rebounds, and proving she could hold her own against established WNBA bigs. Teams are always looking for players who can provide energy off the bench, and Feagin’s preseason performances made a strong case that she could be that kind of impact player.
What makes their stories even more remarkable is the sheer competitiveness of WNBA training camps. Rosters are small—only 12 spots per team—and with so much elite talent vying for so few openings, even highly touted players get cut. Veterans with years of experience, overseas standouts, and top draft picks all fight for the same jobs. For Paopao and Feagin, simply making it through the preseason is a monumental achievement. It speaks to their work ethic, their ability to adapt, and their mental toughness. Many players crumble under the pressure of roster cuts, but these two thrived, turning doubt into fuel.
For South Carolina fans, this is a moment of immense pride. The Gamecocks’ program under Dawn Staley has become a powerhouse, producing WNBA talent year after year. But seeing players like Paopao and Feagin—who weren’t necessarily the biggest names in their draft classes—make it to the league is a testament to the program’s ability to develop winners. Staley’s system prepares players for the next level by emphasizing defense, discipline, and adaptability, all of which clearly paid off for these two.
Now, the real challenge begins. Making a roster is one thing; sticking in the league is another. Both Paopao and Feagin will have to continue proving themselves every day in practice, every minute they get on the court. The WNBA is unforgiving—slumps can cost you your job, and injuries can derail careers before they even start. But if their journeys so far have shown anything, it’s that they’re not afraid of hard work. They’ve already beaten the odds once. Why can’t they do it again?
For young basketball players watching their stories unfold, Paopao and Feagin are proof that dreams are achievable with the right mindset. Talent gets you noticed, but grit keeps you in the room. And as they step onto WNBA courts for the first time, they’re not just representing themselves—they’re carrying the hopes of every underdog who’s ever been told they weren’t good enough.
The WNBA season is about to begin, and two new names are ready to make their mark. Te-Hina Paopao and Sania Feagin didn’t just survive the preseason—they earned this. And if their past is any indication, they’re just getting started.
