“HISTORY MADE: South Carolina Records Its Third-Ever WNBA Draft with Three Selections—Hall, Paopao, and Feagin Poised to Elevate Gamecock Tradition in the Pro Ranks”
COLUMBIA, SC — In an electrifying milestone for the South Carolina women’s basketball program, the 2025 WNBA Draft saw three Gamecocks selected this year, marking only the third time in program history that multiple players were chosen—and the second time with three draftees. This achievement underscores Head Coach Dawn Staley’s enduring legacy and reaffirms the Gamecocks as an elite breeding ground for professional talent .
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🏅 A Rare Feat: The Third Time’s the Charm
South Carolina’s women’s program has now celebrated three or more draftees in just three separate drafts:
2017: Alaina Coates (2nd), Allisha Gray (4th), Kaela Davis (10th).
2023: Aliyah Boston (1st), Laeticia Amihere (8th), Zia Cooke (11th).
2025: Te‑Hina Paopao, Bree Hall, and Sania Feagin, all selected in the second round .
Only seven schools have achieved this rare WNBA Draft trifecta—highlighting South Carolina’s concentrated success.
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🌟 2025 Draftees: Hall, Paopao, Feagin
Te‑Hina Paopao (18th overall, Atlanta Dream): A dynamic scoring guard known for her fiery perimeter play.
Bree Hall (20th, Indiana Fever): A sharpshooting wing with a 38.3% three-point stroke, recently signed her rookie-scale deal .
Sania Feagin (21st, Los Angeles Sparks): A versatile forward who delivered clutch performances in both SEC and NCAA tournament play .
This trio reflects a second-day haul but underscores strategic squad building under Staley’s leadership .
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📉 Second-Round Selections—Immediate Impact
While past drafts saw first-rounders, all three 2025 Gamecocks went in round two. Still, the WNBA’s rookie contracts guarantee multi-year deals, including a fourth-year team option—offering solid opportunities for development .
Their rookie-scale structure:
Year 1: ~$69 k
Year 2: ~$71 k
Year 3: ~$78 k
Year 4 (team option): ~$88 k .
Success in training camps and preseason will determine whether they secure coveted final roster spots.
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🎙️ Coach Staley on Draft Day Success
Coach Dawn Staley reflected on the achievement:
> “Having three players drafted again is a testament to our program’s culture. It’s not just about talent—it’s about preparation, development, and mental readiness at the pro level.” .
South Carolina has now logged 12 draft picks since 2020, tied for most nationally, including six first-round selections .
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🔭 Gamecock Pipeline: A Model of Consistency
A’ja Wilson (2018) and Aliyah Boston (2023): Both No. 1 picks who have become WNBA superstars and MVP-level players .
Other notable WNBA alums: Allisha Gray, Tiffany Mitchell, Kamilla Cardoso—each carving out significant professional careers .
With nine of the past eleven drafts including a Gamecock pick, the program’s pro pipeline is among the nation’s strongest .
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🏆 What Lies Ahead for the 2025 Draftees
1. Rookie Camps Begin: Paopao, Hall, and Feagin will report to their respective teams’ camps heading into May/June.
2. Roster Battles: With only 12 roster spots per team, securing a place demands standout performance.
3. Opportunity on the Rise: Injuries or international call-ups could pave the way for early-season court time.
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✍️ Looking Toward the Future
South Carolina has now affirmed its position as a WNBA talent factory. The consistency exemplified by Staley’s program—evident in both top-level selections and depth across multiple draft classes—is unmatched outside of UConn. As the profile of those entering the draft grows, the Gamecocks’ brand and recruiting magnetism only expand.
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📝 Final Takeaway
With three players selected in 2025, South Carolina celebrates another historic moment in WNBA Draft history. Hall, Paopao, and Feagin join the likes of Boston, Wilson, and Gray in carrying the Gamecock banner into the professional ranks. Under Dawn Staley’s stewardship, the women’s program doesn’t just win titles—it propels athletes to pro careers.
For the Gamecocks, this draft isn’t just numbers—it’s legacy.
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