Te-Hina Paopao’s Family: Boyfriend, Children, Parents and Siblings

Last Updated on October 27, 2026 by Candida Lucia

Te-Hina Paopao is an American professional basketball player who has gained recognition for her exceptional shooting abilities and impressive performances in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA). Born on August 21, 2002, in Oceanside, California, she became a national champion at the University of South Carolina before joining the Atlanta Dream. Beyond her basketball achievements, Te-Hina Paopao’s family, boyfriend, children, parents, and siblings have attracted considerable interest from fans.

Te-Hina Paopao’s parents are Paul Paopao and Diana Paopao. She has four siblings: three brothers named Israel Paopao, Isaia Paopao, and Iosefa Paopao Meinke-Aviu, and an older sister named Tiare Paopao. Her family has Samoan and Tokelauan roots and has played an important role in her development as a professional athlete. However, Paopao has maintained privacy regarding her romantic relationships and whether she has children.

Te-Hina Paopao’s Boyfriend or Girlfriend: Is She Dating Anyone?

Te-Hina Paopao has not publicly confirmed the identity of a current boyfriend or girlfriend. As of now, there is no reliable public information establishing whether the Atlanta Dream guard is in a romantic relationship.

Although Paopao has attracted considerable attention through her successful college basketball career and transition to the WNBA, she has generally kept her dating life separate from her professional activities.

Her interviews primarily focus on basketball, family relationships, cultural identity, and the importance of representing her Polynesian heritage.

Paopao has not publicly introduced a romantic partner through a widely documented interview or official announcement.

Consequently, claims about the identity of Te-Hina Paopao’s boyfriend or girlfriend should not be considered established facts without reliable confirmation.

Is Te-Hina Paopao Married?

There is no publicly verified information indicating that Te-Hina Paopao is married or has a husband or wife.

As of now, the professional basketball player has not publicly confirmed an engagement or wedding. Her relationship status remains private, and she has not extensively discussed her dating history in major sports interviews.

Te-Hina Paopao’s Children: Does She Have Any Kids?

There are no publicly confirmed reports indicating that Te-Hina Paopao has children. The WNBA player has not announced becoming a mother or publicly identified any sons or daughters.

However, Paopao has a particularly close relationship with her niece, who was named after her.

According to a November 2023 feature published by The State, her older sister, Tiare Paopao, named her daughter Te-Hina in honor of the basketball star.

At the time of the interview, the baby was approximately seven months old, and Paopao regularly communicated with her sister and niece through video calls.

The gesture demonstrated the close relationship between the sisters and the importance of family within the Paopao household.

Although her niece shares her name, she is not Paopao’s daughter. As of now, no reliable public report confirms that the basketball player has children of her own.

Te-Hina Paopao’s Parents: Meet Her Father and Mother

Te-Hina Paopao was born to Paul Paopao and Diana Paopao, who raised five children in Oceanside, California.

Her parents have Polynesian roots, with the family maintaining strong connections to Samoan and Tokelauan traditions.

Both parents encouraged their children to participate in sports, emphasizing discipline, dedication, respect, and family unity.

Their influence became particularly important when Te-Hina began demonstrating exceptional basketball potential during childhood.

Te-Hina Paopao’s Father: Paul Paopao

Te-Hina Paopao’s father is Paul Paopao, who played an important role in developing her basketball abilities and competitive mentality.

According to an interview published by The State in November 2023, Paul recognized his daughter’s basketball potential when she was approximately eight years old.

He encouraged her to understand that achieving success would require significant personal sacrifices, including early morning workouts and consistent training.

Paopao frequently accompanied her older brother Israel to training sessions that began as early as four or five o’clock in the morning.

Although these workouts originally focused on helping Israel develop his football career, Te-Hina gradually became involved and started strengthening her own athletic abilities.

Her father’s emphasis on discipline helped establish a work ethic that would become an important part of her basketball identity.

Paul also supported his daughter during difficult periods, including her recovery from two anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries during high school.

Rather than allowing those setbacks to end her basketball ambitions, he encouraged her to remain committed to rehabilitation and return stronger.

In a January 2025 interview with CBS Sports, Paopao recalled that her father regularly woke her up early so she could train alongside her brothers.

She explained that the experience helped develop her competitive personality and desire to become as successful as her older siblings.

Paul also encouraged his daughter to become comfortable speaking publicly and accepting leadership responsibilities.

According to The State, he sometimes practiced interviews with her, helping her improve her confidence away from basketball.

His involvement has remained an important part of her development from a talented young player in California to a professional basketball athlete.

Te-Hina Paopao’s Mother: Diana Paopao

Te-Hina Paopao’s mother is Diana Paopao, also identified as Diana Aviu Paopao in published biographical reporting.

She helped raise Te-Hina and her four siblings in Oceanside, California, while supporting their participation in competitive sports.

Diana is identified as Paopao’s mother in her official Athletes Unlimited basketball biography.

Although she maintains a relatively private public profile, her importance within the family is reflected in the close relationships that Te-Hina frequently discusses.

Diana and Paul encouraged their children to maintain strong connections with their Polynesian heritage while pursuing opportunities in education and athletics.

Family unity remained important even after Te-Hina left California to attend college.

When she moved to the University of Oregon in 2020, her parents arranged for her older brother Israel to live nearby and provide additional support.

The same family arrangement continued when Paopao transferred to South Carolina in 2023.

According to USA Today, Israel regularly communicated with their parents in California, helping them remain informed about Te-Hina’s experiences and well-being.

The arrangement demonstrates the family’s commitment to supporting one another despite living in different states.

Te-Hina Paopao’s Siblings: Meet Her Three Brothers and Sister

Te-Hina Paopao has four siblings: Israel Paopao, Isaia Paopao, Tiare Paopao, and Iosefa Paopao Meinke-Aviu.

Her family includes five children altogether, and Te-Hina grew up surrounded by siblings who participated in competitive sports.

According to The State, her three brothers pursued football, while her older sister participated in softball.

The family’s strong sporting traditions contributed to the competitive environment that helped Te-Hina become a successful basketball player.

Israel Paopao: Te-Hina Paopao’s Older Brother

Israel Paopao is Te-Hina Paopao’s oldest brother and one of the most influential people in her basketball journey.

He played American football during his younger years and developed a close relationship with Te-Hina through their shared interest in sports.

During childhood, Te-Hina frequently accompanied Israel to early morning training sessions organized by their father.

Israel also helped her understand leadership, teamwork, and the importance of communicating effectively with teammates.

His experience playing quarterback was particularly relevant because Te-Hina eventually developed into a point guard, a position that requires similar leadership and decision-making abilities.

Their relationship became even more meaningful when Te-Hina moved away from California for college.

When she enrolled at the University of Oregon in 2020, Israel relocated to Eugene to support her.

He subsequently moved to Columbia, South Carolina, after she transferred to the Gamecocks in 2023.

In an interview with USA Today published in March 2024, Paopao explained that having Israel nearby made her college experience more comfortable.

He became an important connection between Te-Hina and their parents, providing encouragement and helping her manage the challenges of living away from home.

According to CBS Sports, Israel also helped coordinate family attendance at South Carolina basketball games.

His dedication demonstrates the close sibling relationship that has remained central to Paopao’s personal and athletic development.

Isaia Paopao: Te-Hina Paopao’s Older Brother

Isaia Paopao is another of Te-Hina Paopao’s older brothers and a former college football player.

Like Israel, Isaia grew up participating in competitive football and helped create the athletic environment that influenced his younger sister.

According to The State, Isaia pursued football opportunities while continuing to support Te-Hina’s basketball career.

He later joined Israel and Te-Hina in Columbia, South Carolina, where he trained with the ambition of pursuing professional football opportunities.

The siblings maintained a close connection by meeting regularly for family dinners.

These gatherings became especially important because they allowed Te-Hina to spend time with familiar people while attending college far from California.

Although Isaia followed a different sporting path, his competitive personality helped influence the basketball player’s determination and resilience.

Tiare Paopao: Te-Hina Paopao’s Older Sister

Tiare Paopao is Te-Hina Paopao’s older sister and the only other daughter in the family.

During her younger years, Tiare participated in competitive softball, continuing the family’s strong sporting traditions.

Unlike her brothers, who pursued football, and Te-Hina, who specialized in basketball, Tiare developed her athletic interests through softball.

Despite participating in different sports, the sisters share a close personal relationship.

One particularly meaningful example occurred when Tiare named her daughter Te-Hina in honor of her younger sister.

According to The State, the basketball player regularly communicated with Tiare and her niece through video calls while living in South Carolina.

Tiare also attended some of her sister’s college basketball games, demonstrating her continued encouragement.

The sisters’ relationship reflects the strong family bonds emphasized throughout their upbringing.

Iosefa Paopao Meinke-Aviu: Te-Hina Paopao’s Younger Brother

Iosefa Paopao Meinke-Aviu is Te-Hina Paopao’s younger brother and the youngest of the family’s five children.

Like his older brothers, Iosefa developed an interest in American football while growing up in Oceanside, California.

He is identified in The State’s November 2023 family profile as a member of the Paopao household.

Although Iosefa has maintained a relatively private public profile compared with his basketball-playing sister, he participated in the sporting environment that characterized their childhood.

Publicly available information about his later professional activities and personal relationships remains limited.

Te-Hina Paopao’s Extended Family and Sporting Connections

Te-Hina Paopao comes from a larger Polynesian family with connections to several accomplished athletes.

One of her relatives is Joe Salave’a, a former NFL defensive tackle who played professionally before becoming a college football coach.

Salave’a has been identified in sports reporting as Paopao’s uncle and another example of the family’s athletic background.

Her cousin Megan Faraimo is also an accomplished athlete who played college softball at UCLA before continuing her career professionally.

Faraimo is identified as Paopao’s cousin in her official Athletes Unlimited basketball biography.

Other relatives who publicly supported Paopao during her college career include her uncle Niel Otineru and her aunt Chantel.

According to The State, several extended family members attended South Carolina basketball games, helping maintain the family’s close connection despite geographical distances.

Te-Hina Paopao’s Samoan and Tokelauan Family Heritage

Te-Hina Paopao is an American athlete of Samoan and Tokelauan descent, and her Polynesian heritage is an important part of her identity.

Growing up in Oceanside, California, she was surrounded by family traditions that emphasized respect, unity, community, and collective achievement.

In interviews, Paopao has explained that family relationships are particularly important within her cultural upbringing.

She has also used her basketball career to introduce teammates and fans to Polynesian customs.

During her time at South Carolina, she presented teammates and coaches with customized kukui nut necklaces representing family unity and cultural pride.

The gesture was intended to express appreciation for the way her teammates had welcomed her into their basketball family.

Her heritage became particularly visible during the 2025 WNBA Draft.

Rather than attending the draft ceremony in New York, Paopao celebrated with approximately 300 family members, friends, and supporters in Oceanside.

She wore traditional Polynesian clothing, including a puletasi dress and ceremonial adornments, to represent her cultural identity.

According to Hawai’i Public Radio, Paopao became the first person of Tokelauan ancestry to be drafted into the WNBA.

The achievement represented an important moment for both her family and the broader Tokelauan community.

How Te-Hina Paopao’s Family Influenced Her Basketball Career

Te-Hina Paopao’s family played an important role in helping her overcome the challenges associated with becoming an elite basketball player.

Her father’s early training sessions introduced her to the discipline required for competitive athletics.

Her older brothers encouraged her to become physically and mentally stronger through constant competition.

Meanwhile, her mother and sister provided emotional support as she progressed through different stages of her basketball career.

During high school, Paopao experienced two serious ACL injuries that threatened her development.

With encouragement from her family, she committed herself to rehabilitation and eventually returned to competition.

She attended La Jolla Country Day School in California, where she became one of the country’s leading high school basketball players.

In 2020, she earned California Gatorade Player of the Year honors and was selected as a McDonald’s All-American.

Paopao subsequently joined the University of Oregon before transferring to South Carolina in 2023.

At South Carolina, she helped the Gamecocks complete an undefeated 2023–24 season and win the NCAA women’s basketball national championship.

Her performances established her as one of the country’s leading perimeter shooters.

On April 14, 2025, the Atlanta Dream selected Paopao with the 18th overall pick in the WNBA Draft.

She subsequently made her professional debut and became part of Atlanta’s backcourt rotation.

Throughout these achievements, Paopao has continued recognizing her family’s influence on her determination, leadership, and success.

Te-Hina Paopao’s Family Support During Her WNBA Career

Te-Hina Paopao’s transition to the WNBA marked another important milestone for her family.

After years of supporting her during high school and college, her relatives celebrated her selection by the Atlanta Dream in 2025.

Her professional career also provided opportunities to represent her Samoan and Tokelauan heritage on a larger international stage.

In October 2026, the WNBA featured Paopao in its “Samoan-Made” video series, highlighting the role of her family and community in shaping her identity.

The feature emphasized that her journey was influenced not only by basketball training but also by the people and cultural traditions that supported her upbringing.

As her career continues, Paopao remains an example of how family encouragement and cultural pride can contribute to success in professional sports.

Frequently Asked Questions About Te-Hina Paopao’s Family

Who is Te-Hina Paopao’s boyfriend or girlfriend?

Te-Hina Paopao has not publicly confirmed a current boyfriend or girlfriend. As of now, her romantic relationship status remains private.

Is Te-Hina Paopao married?

There is no publicly verified information indicating that Te-Hina Paopao is married or has announced an engagement.

Does Te-Hina Paopao have children?

There are no publicly confirmed reports that Te-Hina Paopao has children. However, she has a niece named Te-Hina, who was named after her by her older sister, Tiare.

Who are Te-Hina Paopao’s parents?

Te-Hina Paopao’s parents are Paul Paopao and Diana Paopao, who raised five children in Oceanside, California.

Who is Te-Hina Paopao’s father?

Her father is Paul Paopao, who helped develop her basketball skills through early morning workouts and encouraged her athletic ambitions throughout childhood.

Who is Te-Hina Paopao’s mother?

Her mother is Diana Paopao, also identified as Diana Aviu Paopao, who supported her children’s athletic development and helped maintain their close family relationships.

How many siblings does Te-Hina Paopao have?

Te-Hina Paopao has four siblings: Israel Paopao, Isaia Paopao, Tiare Paopao, and Iosefa Paopao Meinke-Aviu.

Who are Te-Hina Paopao’s brothers?

Her three brothers are Israel Paopao, Isaia Paopao, and Iosefa Paopao Meinke-Aviu. All three developed interests in American football.

Who is Te-Hina Paopao’s sister?

Her older sister is Tiare Paopao, a former softball player who named her daughter Te-Hina in honor of her younger sister.

Why did Israel Paopao move with his sister?

Israel Paopao moved to Oregon and later South Carolina to provide support while Te-Hina attended college. Their family places considerable importance on remaining connected and helping one another.

What is Te-Hina Paopao’s ethnicity?

Te-Hina Paopao is of Samoan and Tokelauan descent. She was born in the United States and grew up in Oceanside, California.

Is Te-Hina Paopao related to Megan Faraimo?

Yes. Professional softball player Megan Faraimo is Te-Hina Paopao’s cousin, according to her official Athletes Unlimited biography.

Where was Te-Hina Paopao born?

Te-Hina Paopao was born on August 21, 2002, in Oceanside, California, United States.

Which WNBA team drafted Te-Hina Paopao?

The Atlanta Dream selected Te-Hina Paopao with the 18th overall pick in the second round of the 2025 WNBA Draft.