Lady Vols Secure Elite Twin Duo: Mia and Mya Pauldo ‘Reject’ Other Powerhouses for Tennessee’s New Era

Admin May 22, 2025

Lady Vols Secure Elite Twin Duo: Mia and Mya Pauldo ‘Reject’ Other Powerhouses for Tennessee’s New Era

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – In a significant coup for the University of Tennessee Lady Vols basketball program, head coach Kim Caldwell has successfully landed commitments from Mia and Mya Pauldo, identical twins and highly-touted elite basketball prospects from Denville, New Jersey. This commitment represents a major recruiting victory for the Lady Vols, as the Pauldo twins reportedly “rejected” overtures from other prominent programs, including the implied “Atlanta Dream and Ole Miss Women’s Basketball.”

The Pauldo twins, known collectively as “TwinBackCourt” (TBC), announced their commitment to Tennessee in July 2024, becoming the first high school pledges of the Kim Caldwell era. Their decision signals a powerful endorsement of Caldwell’s vision and the direction of the Lady Vols program, aiming to restore it to national championship contention.

The Pauldo Twins: A Dynamic Duo Heading to Rocky Top

Mia and Mya Pauldo are a formidable backcourt duo, known for their speed, scoring ability, defensive intensity, and high basketball IQ. They bring a unique blend of individual talent and an undeniable chemistry that comes from playing together their entire lives.

Mia Pauldo: Ranked as the No. 11 player in the 2025 class by espnW (a five-star prospect), Mia is celebrated as a “significant scorer” who can score at all three levels. Coach Caldwell describes her as “fast, she is scrappy and she is full of energy. Mia is the exact type of player I want — someone who can create a shot for herself as well as for others.” She was named the MaxPreps Player of the Year in New Jersey for the 2023-24 season, averaging 19.9 points and 5.9 assists as a junior.
Mya Pauldo: Ranked as the No. 56 player in the 2025 class by espnW (a four-star prospect), Mya is recognized as a “very good three-point shooter” who can also create shots for herself and teammates. Caldwell praises her as “incredibly scrappy, defensively. She and Mia both are, and that’s something that we need is two hard-nosed defenders who can press full court and still get steals in half court.”

Together, as the “TwinBackCourt,” they combined for over 2,700 points, 800 assists, 700 rebounds, and 500 steals in their first three high school seasons at Morris Catholic High School in New Jersey. They led their team to multiple state championships and tournament titles, demonstrating a proven track record of winning.

“Rejecting” Other Suitors: Why Tennessee Stood Out

The phrase “reject” in the context of their commitment to Tennessee suggests that the Pauldo twins were highly sought after by numerous top collegiate programs. Their recruiting list reportedly included powerhouses like Baylor, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Rutgers, and notably, Ole Miss. While the Atlanta Dream is a WNBA team and not a college program, the mention of it could imply that the twins are seen as future WNBA talents who are making a strategic decision at the collegiate level.

Their choice of Tennessee, particularly under a first-year head coach, speaks volumes about Kim Caldwell’s recruiting prowess and her ability to articulate a compelling vision. The Pauldos themselves have stated their reasons for choosing the Lady Vols:

Coaching Staff and Style of Play: They were drawn to Coach Kim Caldwell’s energy and the up-tempo, high-pressure style of play that aligns with their own aggressive and fast-paced game. Mia stated, “We love Coach Kim and her staff. Coach Gabe Lazo recruited us and we’ve known him for a while, so it started with him. We trust him and once we met Coach Kim and spoke to her, it was a no-brainer.”
Legacy and Championship Ambition: The Pauldo twins explicitly stated their desire to bring a national championship back to Knoxville. In their commitment announcement, they declared, “We’re not shying away from this great opportunity to bring a NATTY back to Knoxville & Volnation!!” They recognized the storied history of the Lady Vols and the opportunity to be part of its next championship era.
Brand and NIL Opportunities: The Pauldo twins are already savvy with their “TwinBackCourt” brand and have secured early NIL deals, including with Puma. They recognized that the “Lady Vol brand speaks for itself” and offers a significant platform for them to continue growing their personal brands and “create generational wealth.”
Family Connection: Assistant Coach Gabe Lazo, who was previously at Mississippi State (Ole Miss’s rival), played a crucial role in their recruitment, building trust with the twins and their family.

This commitment is particularly significant because it came after the departure of former head coach Kellie Harper, which had led to the de-commitment of another elite 2025 prospect, Nyla Brooks. Landing the Pauldo twins not only filled a crucial void but immediately established a strong foundation for Caldwell’s first high school recruiting class.

Kim Caldwell’s Vision: Building a Championship Culture

The Pauldo twins are a perfect fit for Kim Caldwell’s system. Known for her “fun and fast” style of play, Caldwell emphasizes high-scoring offense, relentless full-court pressure, and aggressive defense. The Pauldos’ speed, ball-handling skills, shooting ability, and defensive tenacity make them ideal catalysts for such a system.

Their commitment, alongside other highly-rated 2025 signees like Deniya Prawl (No. 14 espnW), Jaida Civil (No. 32 espnW), and Lauren Hurst (No. 42 espnW), forms a formidable incoming class for the Lady Vols. This class has been ranked as high as No. 2 nationally, representing the highest-ranked high school recruiting class at Tennessee in seven years and only the second class since Pat Summitt to have three players ranked in the top 35.

This strong recruiting momentum, combined with Caldwell’s successful 24-10 debut season (including a Sweet 16 appearance) and her recent contract extension, indicates that the Lady Vols program is indeed at a “turning point.” Caldwell is not just bringing in talent; she’s building a culture defined by ambition, hard work, and a commitment to restoring Tennessee’s place among the elite.

The Significance for the Lady Vols Program

The commitment of Mia and Mya Pauldo is a monumental moment for the Tennessee Lady Vols for several reasons:

Immediate Impact: Both players are expected to be immediate impact players, capable of contributing significantly from their freshman year. Their combined skill set and chemistry will be invaluable to Caldwell’s system.
Backcourt Dominance: They provide the Lady Vols with a dynamic and highly-skilled backcourt for years to come, crucial for navigating the demanding SEC schedule and competing in the NCAA Tournament.
Recruiting Momentum: Landing such high-profile twins, who were coveted by so many other programs, sends a strong message to future recruits about the Lady Vols’ resurgence and Caldwell’s ability to attract top talent.
Restoring the Legacy: The Pauldos’ explicit goal of bringing a national championship back to Knoxville aligns perfectly with the Lady Vols’ storied history and the aspirations of the fan base. Their commitment is a symbol of hope for a return to the program’s former glory.
NIL Savvy: Their existing “TwinBackCourt” brand and NIL deals highlight the evolving landscape of college athletics and the Lady Vols’ ability to attract athletes who are not only talented on the court but also adept at building their personal brands.

The “rejection” of other prominent programs by Mia and Mya Pauldo is not merely a recruiting anecdote; it’s a testament to the compelling vision Kim Caldwell is building in Knoxville and a clear signal that the Tennessee Lady Vols are firmly back on the path to national prominence. The future of women’s basketball on Rocky Top looks brighter than ever with the “TwinBackCourt” leading the charge.