"Social media doesn't help": When Miami’s Hanna Cavinder broke silence on why she took a hiatus from college basketball 

Hanna Cavinder and her sister Haley took a year off from college basketball last season. At the time, the twins shared that they would be focussing on other ventures, including a potential WWE debut. However, in November, Haley revealed she had committed to TCU to play her final college eligibility season.

Talking about her break from playing on an episode of the Dr. Phil show from March 2024, Hanna Cavinder said:

"There was a time in my life that I was at the lowest point. And obviously, social media doesn't help with that. I think for me, personally, stepping away, it was definitely about my mental health.

I definitely went through a year of mentally taxing. I think I was just done with it. I think I grew other passions outside of basketball and I was kind of ready to tie up the shoes."

After three successful seasons with Fresno State, the Cavinder twins transferred to Miami for their senior year. However, they had a contrasting experience. While Haley was at the forefront, leading the Hurricanes to their historic maiden Elite Eight run, Hanna Cavinder struggled. She averaged 3.8 points, 1.3 rebounds and 1.6 assists.

In April, the Cavinder twins announced their return to Miami, with Haley switching her commitment from TCU to the Canes.

Hanna Cavinder revealed that Haley was her sole reason for the return

While Hanna Cavinder was fully committed to business and WWE, Haley felt like she still had some basketball energy in her. With her choice to return, she began training and this, Hanna claimed, was the reason behind her wish for a last dance.

“When I made the decision to stop playing, I was excited to get more involved in the businesses and brands we are part of,” Hanna told The New York Post in an email interview. “But watching Haley train and get ready for the season made me realize that I wasn’t ready to stop playing.

I love basketball and I know I won’t be able to play it forever. Being with my sister is the perfect way to finish out my career.”

Haley Cavinder also emphasized the importance of the two finishing off college together as she said:

“We both feel like we have more to give. We want to end our college basketball careers on a high note, and we wanted to do it together. ... We both knew we had unfinished business on the court and wanted to give it one more shot, together.”

With their return to basketball, the Cavinder twins have signed a brand deal with Under Armour and will promote the brand through the upcoming season.

What do you think of the Cavinder twins' return to basketball? Let us know in the comments section below.