Mia and Mya Pauldo, identical twins and elite basketball prospects from Morris Catholic High School in Denville, New Jersey, are bringing their shared vision and undeniable talent to one of the most storied programs in women’s college basketball—the University of Tennessee. As members of the Lady Vols’ 2025 recruiting class, the Pauldo twins are set to make history together, not only as top-tier athletes but also as young women redefining what it means to be student-athletes in the modern era.
The commitment of Mia and Mya Pauldo is a significant win for newly appointed head coach Kim Caldwell. Known for her fast-paced, pressing style of basketball, Caldwell sees in the Pauldo sisters exactly the kind of dynamic backcourt energy needed to elevate the Lady Vols back to national prominence. In turn, the twins see Tennessee as a place where their dreams—on and off the court—can take root and flourish.
A Formidable Duo from the Start
From their earliest days on the court, Mia and Mya have been inseparable. Their bond is not just familial; it’s strategic, instinctive, and electric. They’ve developed a basketball chemistry few can match, using their innate connection to anticipate each other’s moves, ignite fast breaks, and exploit defenses. Over their first three seasons at Morris Catholic, the duo combined for more than 2,700 points, 800 assists, and 500 steals—statistics that reflect not only talent but also consistency and leadership.
Mia, the slightly more offensive-minded of the two, passed the 2,000-point milestone in her junior year, a rare feat in New Jersey high school basketball. She’s a fearless scorer, equally comfortable driving into traffic or hitting deep jumpers. Mya, known for her tenacity on defense and her high-percentage three-point shooting, complements her sister perfectly. Together, they’ve led their team to state championship contention and gained national attention for their dynamic play.
The Tennessee Choice
The Pauldo twins had plenty of suitors, but Tennessee stood out. Beyond the program’s legendary history and enthusiastic fan base, the twins were drawn to Coach Caldwell’s vision for the future. Caldwell, who came to Tennessee with a reputation for high-tempo, defense-first basketball, sees the Pauldo twins as central figures in her plan to modernize and energize the Lady Vols. Assistant coach Gabe Lazo played a pivotal role in their recruitment, forming a bond with the twins and their family that helped seal the deal.
During their visit to Knoxville, the Pauldos toured the campus, watched film with the coaching staff, and began looking at homes in the area, signaling their full commitment to becoming Lady Vols. For the twins, the decision wasn’t just about basketball—it was about finding a home that values them as people, athletes, and young women with ambition beyond the hardwood.
NIL Trailblazers
While their game speaks volumes, Mia and Mya are equally impressive off the court. In 2022, at just 15 years old, they made headlines by signing a name, image, and likeness (NIL) deal with Puma—becoming the youngest basketball athletes to do so. That deal highlighted their brand power and set the stage for future off-court success. They’ve since expanded their influence with a reality series, *No Limits with Mia & Mya Pauldo*, produced by Overtime, which chronicles their daily lives, training routines, and family dynamics.
Their savvy understanding of branding, business, and social media engagement has made them role models for a new generation of athletes. At a time when NIL opportunities are reshaping college sports, the Pauldo twins are ahead of the curve—smart, driven, and unafraid to take the reins of their own narrative.
A Bright Future in Knoxville
The Pauldo twins arrive at Tennessee with high expectations, and they seem more than ready to meet them. As Coach Caldwell begins her tenure, having two of the top-rated guards in the country as foundational recruits is a strong signal of where the program is headed. Mia is ranked No. 13 nationally by ESPN, and Mya is close behind at No. 49—making them one of the highest-ranked sibling duos in the 2025 class.
Fans can expect explosive backcourt play, unrelenting defense, and leadership from day one. But more than that, the Pauldos bring heart, humility, and an unshakeable bond that will uplift the culture of the Lady Vols both on and off the court.
Legacy in the Making
As they transition from high school stars to SEC athletes, Mia and Mya Pauldo aren’t just chasing wins—they’re crafting a legacy. In choosing Tennessee, they’ve aligned themselves with one of the greatest traditions in women’s basketball history. And with their unique blend of talent, intellect, and character, they’re poised to help write a bold new chapter in that legacy.
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