KNOXVILLE — Dynamic Twin Duo Mia and Mya Pauldo Choose Tennessee Lady Vols Over Ole Miss and Atlanta Dream
In a thrilling recruitment decision that has electrified the college basketball community, identical twins Mia and Mya Pauldo, standout elite prospects from Morris Catholic High School in Denville, New Jersey, have officially committed to the Tennessee Lady Volunteers women’s basketball program. Turning down lucrative opportunities from the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) and the professional Atlanta Dream, the Pauldo twins have chosen to bring their exceptional talent and sisterly synergy to Knoxville, igniting excitement for Lady Vols fans everywhere.
From New Jersey to Tennessee: A Twin Force to Reckon With
Mia and Mya Pauldo have dominated the high school basketball scene in New Jersey for years, showcasing not only their individual skills but also a rare, almost telepathic connection on the court that comes naturally to identical twins. Their ability to anticipate each other’s moves, combined with relentless work ethic and top-tier athleticism, has made them two of the most sought-after recruits in the nation.
The Pauldos have consistently impressed scouts and coaches alike with their versatile playing styles — Mia excels as a sharp-shooting guard with a knack for clutch baskets, while Mya shines as a dynamic forward, dominating in rebounding and defense. Together, they form a well-rounded package that few college teams could overlook.
Turning Down Ole Miss and Atlanta Dream: Why Tennessee Was the Right Fit
Both Ole Miss and the WNBA’s Atlanta Dream showed serious interest in the twins, with Ole Miss offering a chance to shine in a strong SEC program and the Dream tempting them with early professional opportunities. However, the Pauldo sisters had their eyes set on something bigger — a storied program steeped in history, tradition, and championship pedigree.
Lady Vols head coach Kellie Harper expressed her enthusiasm about adding the twins to Tennessee’s roster:
“Mia and Mya are not only phenomenal athletes, but they embody the character, dedication, and teamwork that our program stands for. Their commitment to Tennessee is a testament to the values we cultivate here, and we’re beyond excited to welcome them to the Lady Vol family.”
The Pauldos echoed this sentiment, stating, “We wanted a place where we could grow together, both on and off the court. Tennessee’s legacy, coaching staff, and fan base made it an easy decision for us.”
What This Means for the Lady Vols
The addition of Mia and Mya Pauldo signals a new era of talent for Tennessee. Their arrival promises to bolster the Lady Vols’ lineup with fresh energy, skill, and that undeniable twin chemistry that can shift the dynamics of any game. Fans can look forward to thrilling backcourt and frontcourt versatility, relentless defense, and clutch performances that could be the difference-maker in high-stakes SEC matchups and beyond.
The Road Ahead
As the Pauldo twins prepare to transition from New Jersey to Knoxville, their commitment underscores the increasing national appeal and recruiting strength of the Tennessee Lady Volunteers program. With their arrival, the Lady Vols not only add two elite athletes but also inspire young players everywhere, proving that hard work, talent, and heart can create the ultimate dream team.
Stay tuned as Mia and Mya Pauldo begin their Lady Vols journey, set to make unforgettable memories and leave an indelible mark on Tennessee basketball history.