KNOXVILLE: Mia and Mya Pauldo, Identical Twins and Elite Basketball Prospects from Morris Catholic High School in Denville, New Jersey, Reject Ole Miss Women’s Basketball and Atlanta Dream for Tennessee Lady Vols
Mia and Mya Pauldo, twin sisters and standout basketball prospects from Morris Catholic High School in Denville, New Jersey, have captured the attention of college basketball programs across the country. Their remarkable talent and on-court chemistry have made them one of the most sought-after pair of recruits in the nation. After an intense recruiting process, they have made a bold decision: the Pauldo sisters will be joining the University of Tennessee Lady Volunteers basketball program, rejecting offers from the University of Mississippi and the Atlanta Dream in the process.
The journey to this point has been anything but ordinary for Mia and Mya. Born and raised in Denville, New Jersey, the twins quickly gained recognition for their skills on the court. From a young age, their natural athleticism and basketball IQ were apparent, as they dominated youth leagues, AAU circuits, and high school competitions. They were the backbone of Morris Catholic High School’s basketball program, leading the team to multiple state championships and becoming household names in New Jersey basketball.
Both Mia and Mya have always been able to feed off each other’s energy, making them a formidable duo. Their ability to communicate without speaking, anticipating each other’s moves and instincts, has made them nearly unstoppable on the court. Coaches, teammates, and opponents have all marveled at how seamlessly the twins work together, almost as if they were born to play the game as a pair. Their connection has transcended the basketball court, making them an inseparable duo both in their athletic pursuits and personal lives.
The recruitment process for the Pauldo sisters began early in their high school careers, with programs from across the country reaching out to them. At the top of the list were powerhouses like Ole Miss and the Atlanta Dream, who saw the twins as key pieces to their future success. The University of Mississippi, known for its competitive women’s basketball program, made a strong push for the sisters, envisioning them as crucial building blocks for the team’s long-term success. Ole Miss head coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin was particularly vocal in her support, emphasizing how Mia and Mya could make an immediate impact in the SEC.
Meanwhile, the Atlanta Dream, a WNBA franchise that has steadily been rebuilding its roster, also made a compelling case. The team saw the Pauldo twins as a package deal that could bring not only talent but also marketability and attention to the franchise. The Dream recognized the potential for a powerful on-court duo and offered the sisters the chance to play professionally right out of high school. The allure of playing in the WNBA, one of the most prestigious women’s basketball leagues in the world, was undeniably enticing, but it ultimately wasn’t enough to sway the twins.
Despite the enticing offers from Ole Miss and the Atlanta Dream, it was the Tennessee Lady Vols who ultimately won out in the race for the Pauldo twins’ commitment. Tennessee, led by the legendary head coach Kellie Harper, is one of the most successful programs in women’s college basketball history. The Lady Vols have consistently been at the top of the SEC and have a rich tradition of success, with multiple NCAA championships and a legacy of producing elite players who go on to have successful careers in both college and the professional leagues.
Mia and Mya’s decision to choose Tennessee over the other options was a carefully considered one. They were drawn to the program’s culture of excellence and the opportunity to play for a coach with a proven track record of developing players and winning championships. Coach Harper’s history of nurturing talent and guiding her players to success in both the collegiate and professional ranks made Tennessee the ideal destination for the Pauldo twins.
The Lady Vols’ reputation for fostering an environment of teamwork and family was also a major factor in the decision. The Pauldo sisters have always valued the close-knit bond they share, and the idea of joining a program that emphasized unity and collective success was an attractive prospect. The twins felt that Tennessee would offer them not only a competitive basketball environment but also a supportive, family-like atmosphere that would allow them to grow both as players and as individuals.
In addition to the team-oriented culture, the Tennessee program also offered the twins the chance to compete at the highest level of college basketball. The Lady Vols are perennial contenders in the NCAA Tournament, consistently making deep runs and securing top-tier recruits. Mia and Mya knew that choosing Tennessee would provide them with the opportunity to showcase their talents on a national stage, competing against some of the best teams in the country.
Tennessee’s impressive facilities and resources also played a role in their decision. The Lady Vols’ training facilities, strength programs, and academic support systems were top-notch, providing the twins with everything they would need to succeed on and off the court. The university’s commitment to player development, both athletically and academically, gave Mia and Mya the confidence that Tennessee would help them reach their full potential as basketball players and individuals.
The twins’ commitment to Tennessee also aligns with their long-term goals. While they are both currently focused on their basketball careers, they are also committed to excelling in the classroom and preparing for life after basketball. The academic opportunities at Tennessee, combined with the school’s strong reputation for producing successful alumni, made it an attractive option for Mia and Mya, who want to ensure that their time in college will set them up for future success both on and off the court.
For Tennessee, landing the Pauldo twins is a major coup for the program. The twins are considered among the top high school basketball recruits in the country and are expected to make an immediate impact when they arrive on campus. Their skill sets complement each other perfectly, with Mia known for her scoring ability and Mya for her defensive prowess and court vision. Together, they form a dynamic and versatile pair that will add depth and talent to an already impressive Lady Vols roster.
Coach Kellie Harper was thrilled with the twins’ decision to join the Lady Vols, recognizing the unique opportunity they bring to the program. “Mia and Mya are two of the most talented young players we’ve seen in a long time,” Harper said in a statement after the announcement. “Their skill sets, work ethic, and passion for the game make them a perfect fit for our program, and we are excited to welcome them to the Lady Vol family. They will be instrumental in helping us continue our tradition of excellence and competing for championships.”
The Pauldo sisters’ decision to turn down Ole Miss and the Atlanta Dream in favor of Tennessee has also sent a strong message about their long-term aspirations. While many young athletes might have been enticed by the chance to play professionally right away, the twins have expressed a desire to develop their skills further in college before making the jump to the professional ranks. They view their time at Tennessee as a critical step in their journey to becoming not only successful college players but also eventual WNBA stars.
“We’ve always dreamed of playing in the WNBA, and we know that college is the best place to prepare us for that next step,” said Mia Pauldo in a recent interview. “We believe that Tennessee is the best place for us to grow as players and reach our full potential. We’re excited about the opportunity to compete for championships and build something special with our teammates.”
Mya Pauldo echoed her sister’s sentiments, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and development. “We’ve always had each other to rely on, and we’re excited to bring that chemistry to Tennessee,” she said. “We want to continue to improve and help our team succeed. The Lady Vols have everything we’re looking for in a program, and we can’t wait to get started.”
For now, Mia and Mya Pauldo are focused on finishing their high school careers strong, but their commitment to Tennessee marks the beginning of a new chapter in their basketball journey. As they prepare to step onto the court for the Lady Vols, the basketball world will be watching closely, eager to see how the twin sisters make their mark at the collegiate level. With their exceptional talent, drive, and unbreakable bond, there’s no doubt that the Pauldo twins will continue to shine brightly as they pursue their dreams in the world of women’s basketball.
