Nov 05 | Women's Basketball
Mya Pauldo couldn't stop thinking about winning before the FISU America Games in Peru. Her competitive drive earned her Most Valuable Player honors, ultimately leading the competition in steals, ranking second in assists and posting a staggering 48 percent from beyond the arc. What spectators saw as a breakout performance was the culmination of the long, unseen hours Pauldo has been accumulating all year.
"I was ready for Peru," Pauldo said. "I was so locked in. I've been getting better, stronger, faster every day in practice. I'm feeling like myself again."
As expectations for Rutgers women's basketball rise, Pauldo plays like a winner, knowing there's a lot of eyes on the team. While her lockdown defense has emerged as a defining feature of her game, her vocal energy, grit and confidence challenge teammates to match her intensity. As a result, she's growing into a more well-rounded teammate and leader.
Mya's confidence grows as she responds to adversity.
When a few missed shots threatened to disrupt her rhythm in Peru, head coach Gary Redus II refused to watch his floor general lose her composure. He encouraged her to keep shooting, helping Pauldo regain her stride. Even after an imperfect start, Mya metamorphosed into the Most Valuable Player of the games, a twofold testament to her grit and the coaching staff's faith in her ability.
When Mya arrived "On The Banks" this spring, Rutgers instantly felt like the right fit. She found a coaching staff that believed in her skills and trusted her with leadership. Blossoming into one of the team's core leaders, she's seizing the opportunity to become the best version of herself.
Few understand Mya's work ethic better than her twin sister, Mia. As the other half of the Twin BackCourt, Mia feels blessed to witness the reps that have built Mya's long-standing confidence.
"She comes into practice each day excited to take the role of being a leader seriously," Mia said. "That's what Coach G wants her to do: to be our leader and floor general. She embraces that role every day and doesn't take it for granted."
For Mia, her twin sister's world-stage recognition confirms what she already knew.
"Mya's the most confident person I know," Mia added. Nothing stops her. I know how hard she works, so to have the entire world take notice meant a lot to me."
Despite her confidence, Mya remains her harshest critic.
"She has so much talent," said Mia. "She's mentally stronger than me. She's hard on herself because she understands her potential."
"One thing I do to get outside my head is remind myself to just be myself," Mya commented. "I pray a lot on game days, and my game day ritual is posting to my Instagram story saying 'you got this #2'."
Mia and Mya are creating a healthy balance between confidence and perfectionism. They believe mental health is equally as valuable as physical strength. Daily affirmations hang on the fridge, and an endless exchange of motivational videos fills their TikTok DMs.
The Twin BackCourt telepathy exists on and off the court. On the court, they've memorized each other's habits. Mia knows when her sister will strip an opponent or commit a foul before she does. When asked what Rutgers fans can expect this season, Mya was direct.
"We're going to bring back a winning culture," Mya said. "I'm big on enjoying the present, but everyone can expect my energy, personality, being a floor general with great defense, my leadership and swag."
Mya Pauldo's Peru showcase offered a glimpse of the magic that happens when preparation meets opportunity. She remains committed to leading, defending, and bringing elite energy.
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