“Get a chance to knock them down”: Mia Pauldo shares thought process behind wanting to play Dawn Staley’s South Carolina

Mia Pauldo, the No. 13 ranked five-star point guard from Denville, New Jersey, is preparing for her final season at Morris Catholic High School. The 2025 class recruit, along with her twin, Mya Pauldo, announced their commitment to the Tennessee Lady Volunteers in July and became the new coach Kim Caldwell's first commitment for next year.

On Tuesday, Overtime shared a video interview with Mia Pauldo where the 5-foot-5 guard was asked which SEC school she was most excited to play against.

"I'm most excited to play against South Carolina," Pauldo said. "I feel like everyone wants to play South Carolina. You know, get a chance to knock 'em down. But I really feel when we go to college, we'll have an opportunity to do that.

"And even if we do take a L or anything, like that, imma still produce in the game. That will make my name big. I've also played against Mi'Laysia Fulwiley. I feel like I can hang with them. Elite players. I just feel like it'll be a good game."

Coach Dawn Staley's Gamecocks are the reigning women's champions, having gone undefeated in the Southeastern Conference and the NCAA Tournament.

Along with her twin, Mia Pauldo is Morris Catholic's standout talent and was named the MaxPreps Player of the Year last season. In her junior year, Pauldo averaged 19.9 points, 5.9 assists, 4.3 rebounds and 3.1 steals per game.

Mia Pauldo promises to lead the Volunteers to championship victory

The Tennessee Volunteers won their last NCAA championship in 2008, and their previous Elite Eight appearance was in 2016. With the change in staff after the appointment of coach Kim Caldwell, fans of the Lady Volunteers are hoping for a deeper run in March Madness.

In their commitment video, Mia Pauldo and her twin, Mya, promised the same and said (via KnoxNews):

"We know we're the best backcourt duo out here. Off the court, we're continuing to grow the game while providing opportunities for the next generation of hoopers.

"And just like the GOATs before us, we're game-changers, and that's why we're committed to Tennessee, home of the Lady Vols. Tennessee is the home of legends, and there's no better place to call home and continue our journey. So here's to the next chapter. It's time to bring a natty back to Vol Nation."

Led by Mia Pauldo and Mya, the Crusaders won their second straight non-public B state title with a 29-1 record last season.

What are your predictions for Mia Pauldo with the Tennessee Volunteers? Do you think they can defeat Dawn Staley and the Gamecocks? Let us know in the comments section below.