In a jaw-dropping twist that has sent shockwaves through the world of women’s basketball, Mia and Mya Pauldo—identical twins, viral sensations, and top-tier recruits from Morris Catholic High School in Denville, New Jersey—have officially committed to the University of Tennessee’s Lady Volunteers, stunning both Ole Miss and the WNBA’s Atlanta Dream.
That’s right. The Pauldo twins, whose dazzling court chemistry has earned them nicknames like “Double Trouble” and “Mirror Magic,” turned down not just a powerhouse SEC program in Ole Miss, but also an unprecedented professional offer from the Atlanta Dream. Sources say the Dream were exploring a bold leap, pushing for the twins to go pro directly from high school—an option made possible by the recent surge in NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) flexibility and evolving WNBA scouting trends.
Instead, the sisters are taking their talents to Rocky Top.
“This wasn’t just about basketball,” Mia said during a packed press conference. “It was about legacy, sisterhood, and a chance to help revive one of the most storied programs in women’s college basketball.”
The Lady Vols, once the gold standard under legendary coach Pat Summitt, have been searching for the spark to return them to championship glory. And in Mia and Mya, they may have just found it. Known for their mind-bending passing, deadly perimeter shooting, and an uncanny ability to read each other without words, the Pauldo twins bring both skill and star power to Knoxville.
Mya added, “We want to bring the fire back to the Summitt. This is about making history—not just as sisters, but as game-changers.”
The basketball world has taken notice. Social media exploded within minutes of their announcement, with fans, analysts, and even WNBA stars weighing in on the bold decision. ESPN’s Jay Bilas called it “the biggest recruiting steal in the last five years.”
Though Ole Miss was considered the frontrunner, and Atlanta dangled a dreamlike pro path, the pull of orange and white proved too strong. For Tennessee fans, this is more than a commitment—it’s a rebirth.
Lady Vols head coach Kim Caldwell summed it up best: “This isn’t just a win for us. It’s a warning to the nation. Tennessee is back—and we’re coming with twins.”
