In a headline-making decision that is sending shockwaves through the world of women’s basketball, identical twins Mia and Mya Pauldo — two of the most coveted high school basketball prospects in the country — have officially committed to play for the Tennessee Lady Volunteers. The dynamic duo from Morris Catholic High School in Denville, New Jersey, turned down prestigious offers from top-tier programs, including the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) and even professional opportunities from the WNBA’s Atlanta Dream, opting instead to take their talents to Knoxville and join the legacy of the Lady Vols.
The Pauldo sisters have dominated the high school circuit for years, earning national recognition for their unmatched chemistry, basketball IQ, and two-way skillsets. Standing at 5’11”, both Mia and Mya are versatile guards known for their tenacious defense, lightning-fast transitions, and deadly perimeter shooting. What sets them apart, beyond their mirror-image appearance, is their intuitive connection on the court — a sixth sense that has made them nearly unstoppable in high school and on the AAU scene.
Their recruitment has been one of the most closely watched sagas in women’s hoops over the past year. Ole Miss, a program on the rise in the SEC under head coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin, made a strong pitch with promises of immediate starting roles and a system built around the twins’ dynamic style of play. Meanwhile, the Atlanta Dream made a bold move by offering a path to the professional ranks straight out of high school under the WNBA’s new collective bargaining rules for select prospects — a groundbreaking opportunity that could have fast-tracked the sisters’ careers.
However, the Pauldos ultimately chose tradition, community, and legacy — three elements deeply rooted in the culture of the Tennessee Lady Vols. Speaking at a press conference in Knoxville, the twins cited the program’s rich history under legendary coach Pat Summitt, the passionate fan base, and the opportunity to compete in a highly respected program that values both academic and athletic excellence.
“We grew up watching the Lady Vols,” said Mya Pauldo. “This program represents everything we want to stand for — excellence, toughness, and sisterhood. It just felt right.”
Mia echoed the sentiment: “It’s about more than basketball. We want to grow as leaders and continue the legacy. Coach Kellie Harper made us feel like we belong here, and we’re ready to win championships in orange and white.”
Lady Vols head coach Kellie Harper called the commitment a “program-changing moment,” emphasizing the impact the Pauldo twins will have not just on the court, but as ambassadors for women’s basketball.
With the twins set to graduate high school in 2025, their commitment is already energizing the Vols’ fanbase and positioning Tennessee as a top contender in future NCAA tournaments. As the college basketball world watches with anticipation, Mia and Mya Pauldo are poised to usher in a new era for the Lady Vols — one built on tradition, talent, and twin-powered excellence.
