The Lady Vols basketball team is facing a significant shake-up as twin point guards Mia and Mya Pauldo have announced their decision to enter the transfer portal. This move, shared via their Instagram, signals a big change for Tennessee's roster.
Mia Pauldo, a standout five-star recruit and McDonald’s All-American, made an immediate impact in her freshman year. Averaging 10.4 points per game, she showed her scoring ability despite shooting 35.6% from the field and 29.2% from beyond the arc. Her all-around game included 2.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.1 steals per contest, earning her a spot on the SEC All-Freshman team, even after missing time due to a concussion.
Her sister, Mya, brought her own contributions off the bench. As a top-100 recruit and four-star prospect, she played in 27 games, averaging 1.8 points and adding 1.6 rebounds and 0.9 assists per game. Although her minutes were fewer, she provided depth and energy whenever called upon.
Tennessee's season ended with a 16-14 record, including an 8-8 mark in SEC play. As the 6-seed in the SEC Tournament, they fell to Alabama in the second round and later exited the NCAA Tournament in the Round of 64 against NC State. The Lady Vols struggled down the stretch, losing 11 of their last 13 games.
The Pauldo twins' departure adds to the growing list of players leaving Tennessee, bringing the total to six. With Alyssa Latham, Lauren Hurst, Deniya Prawl, and Kaniya Boyd already gone, the Lady Vols are looking at a major roster overhaul. Talaysia Cooper and Jaida Civil still have eligibility and could return, but as of now, only Civil remains from last year's incoming freshmen class.
As the Lady Vols navigate this period of transition, they'll be looking to rebuild and refocus for the upcoming season. The loss of the Pauldo twins is significant, but it also presents an opportunity for new talent to step up and shape the future of Tennessee basketball.