Dawn Staley Reacts to Exciting WNBA Draft News Amid South Carolina Roster Changes
South Carolina women’s basketball coach Dawn Staley received uplifting news on April 14 as three of her standout players were selected in the 2025 WNBA Draft. The announcement came on the heels of major changes in the Gamecocks’ roster due to transfer portal activity — including the departure of MiLaysia Fulwiley and the addition of Ta’Niya Latson.
Staley shared an emotional message on X (formerly Twitter), celebrating the milestone for her former players:
“Thank you Lord! Proud of @GamecockWBB @tehinapaopa0 @breezyhalll @supremenia for being selected in the @WNBA draft. @AtlantaDream @IndianaFever @LASparks y’all have some class act human beings and highly tested talented individuals! Let’s gooooo!!!”
In the second round of the draft, Te-Hina Paopao was selected 18th overall by the Atlanta Dream, followed by Bree Hall at No. 20 to the Indiana Fever, and Sania Feagin at No. 21 to the Los Angeles Sparks.
Each of the players took to social media to share their excitement. Paopao received a flood of messages and responded with humor, writing:
“i’m sorry if you are hitting me up, my phone been broke i will get back to you when i can.”
Feagin posted:
“WHATS UP LA ??!!!”
Meanwhile, Hall reposted a video shared by ESPN’s Holly Rowe, capturing her emotional reaction to being drafted.
Hall will reunite with a familiar face in Indiana — former Gamecocks star Aliyah Boston, who was selected No. 1 overall in the 2023 WNBA Draft by the Fever. The two were teammates on South Carolina’s 2022 national championship squad.
While being drafted is a major milestone, each player still faces the challenge of securing a final roster spot during training camp, which begins April 27. The WNBA season officially tips off on May 14.
According to Greenville News, the competition will be fierce, and nothing is guaranteed just yet. But the excitement surrounding the draft picks adds a bright moment for the Gamecocks program, especially following recent transfer portal drama.
In related news, MiLaysia Fulwiley’s emotional interview sparked concern among fans, with some interpreting her tears as a sign she was considering a transfer — which ultimately came to pass.
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