Twin Flames🔥, One Dream: The Pauldo Twins are Just Getting Started

By John “Woods” Armwood III

From Jersey gyms to the SEC grind, Mia and Mya Pauldo are proving what it means to build your name — and bring your family with you.

In the heart of New Jersey, two sisters quietly built their legacy. Not by chasing headlines, but by chasing each other through workouts at sunrise, by going toe-to-toe with the best in their state, and by doing it all with a bond forged in love, sweat, and relentless belief.

Now, Mia and Mya Pauldo are ready to take their game — and their message — to Tennessee. The SEC beckons. But before the next chapter begins, their story demands to be told.

‘This is our state, and we feel like we left our mark’

Ask Mia and Mya Pauldo what New Jersey means to them, and they’ll tell you with a calm certainty that only comes from earned respect.

"Nothing was given to us," they said. "Before we started beating the top players in our state, we had to lose to some: Hannah Hidalgo, Zoey Brooks, and more. But we were able to build our game. It was worth it, and we just love the support."

That support didn’t always come easily. It came after countless hours in gyms, battling perceptions and proving themselves repeatedly. They didn’t just play against the best — they became the bar in New Jersey girls' basketball.

Twin Grit Meets Southern Heat

What lies ahead won’t be easy. The SEC is fast, physical, and unforgiving. But that hasn’t shaken the Pauldo Twins’ confidence — it’s only deepened their drive.

"Right now we’re waking up at 6 a.m. to work out," they said. "We’re just trying to gain our strength and speed to match the athleticism in the SEC. It’s going to be a different world."

They don’t claim to be walking into Knoxville as stars. "We’re not going to be the best players in college — everyone’s good. But we’re going to make an impact somehow."

That impact? It won’t just be about stats. The Pauldos are committed to building real connections.

"We’re definitely going to be involved with the community out there. That’s going to be our main focus — connecting with people."

“Rickea, we love you so much.”

Their transition to Tennessee was made easier thanks to a warm welcome from none other than Lady Vol legend and Los Angeles Sparks star Rickea Jackson. Her encouragement left an impression that won’t fade. 

"She’s a great and sweet person. We’ve talked to her plenty of times. We saw her like an older sister we could look up to — a formal Lady Vol. To hear her say those words about us, we were just like, ‘Rickea, we love you so much. Thank you for those kind words.”

That kind of intergenerational respect isn’t lost on their father, DJ Pauldo.

"It means a lot that a current star is giving them notoriety," he said. "It shows there’s a community at the top that will be surrounding my girls."

More Than Basketball

What the Pauldo twins are building transcends the game. It’s about family, community, culture, and legacy.

"We’ll have each other’s backs," the twins said. "We’re preparing now so that when we get to college, it’s not a culture shock. But we’re super excited to get there, start over, and leave our mark there as well."

That mark is already being etched in more ways than one. Their father DJ confirmed that a merch line is dropping, a documentary is on the way — titled Behind the Dream — and trading cards are being released through Leaf.

"We’ve got a lot of other things happening that we can’t really speak on," DJ said. "But once we step on campus in Tennessee, it’s up."

Rooted in Family, Powered by Jersey

Filisha Pauldo beams when she speaks of her daughters. For her, their journey is about more than basketball accolades.

"First and foremost, I’m so proud of how they’ve represented their family," she said. "Not just New Jersey, but they prioritize their family. We’re all for Jersey — and what comes out of New Jersey are dogs!"

"I’m just so proud of them and everything they stand for," she continued. "They’re inspiring to so many."

'Different and special'

Their size may not scream dominance. But their heart, IQ, and relentless energy set them apart. As DJ puts it:

"Two smaller guards playing in the SEC? I think it shows you how different they are — and how special they are."

Mia and Mya Pauldo are stepping into a new world. But they’re not stepping in quietly. With each other, a loyal family, and a state behind them, they’re prepared to do what they’ve always done: make an impact.

The SEC is on notice. The Pauldo Twins are coming — and they’re bringing New Jersey with them.