The Pauldo twins, who have been immersed in basketball from a young age, are now set to bring their talents to the storied Lady Vols program, aiming for national championships and continuing to build their brand.
A Basketball Family Legacy
Born and raised in Paterson, New Jersey, basketball has been an integral part of Mia and Mya Pauldo’s lives.
They began playing basketball at the age of six, guided by their father, who has also played a significant role as their coach and brand strategist. Their mother, meanwhile, has been the backbone of their support system, managing everything from their nutrition to their off-court activities.
The Pauldo sisters have always pushed each other to be the best, both on and off the court. Their deep connection and shared passion for the game have driven them to become formidable players, known for their high basketball IQ and ability to lead teams.
Drawn by the energy, style of play, and richhistory of the Lady Vols program, Mia and Mya believe Tennessee is the perfect place for them to showcase their skills and leadership abilities.
“We felt like the coaching staff’s energy and style of play was exactly what we needed to be able to showcase our complete skillsets as leaders on and off the court,”Mya told Blavity in a recent interview. “The campus and the energy they brought during our visit made it an easydecision.”
Mia echoed these sentiments, adding:
“It just felt different walking through the halls and seeing all the legendary names. We know we can lead a team and program to anational championship, and there’s no betterschoolto do that than the University of Tennessee and the Lady Vols.”
In addition to their commitment to Tennessee, the Pauldo sisters have made history by securing an NIL deal with Puma, becoming the youngest athletes—male or female—to do so.
“I feel it’s important because the girl’s game has never been valued like the boy’s game, and those times are changing. We know we played a role in that as the youngest ballers ever with a shoe deal, and a lot of the brandworkwe’ve done and continue to do.”
Mia added:
“We were the youngest, and now it’s almost commonplace forhigh schoolplayers to get a deal, especiallygirls. But we know there’s still more work to be done.”
Looking Ahead: Goals and Aspirations
As they prepare to join the Lady Vols, Mia and Mya have big dreams for their time at Tennessee.
“Paterson breeds great basketball,” said Mya. “We are living proof that anything is possible. We alwayswanteda sneaker deal and our ownreality show, and we did that! Now we have to keep working becausehard workcan’t hide.”
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