Cavinder Twins return to college basketball as a pair – as they believe it should be

NASHVILLE – The Cavinder Twins do everything together. 

From attending events to launching a fitness app to just hanging out, it’s rare to see Hanna Cavinder and Haley Cavinder apart from one another. The pair played four years of college basketball together before both deciding not to return to Miami for their fifth year. 

But Haley quickly realized that she’d miss the game too much to stay away. For the first time in their life, the sisters were at a crossroads. Haley was ready to return to basketball, but after a tough senior season, Hanna needed time off. 

“When you’re in this position with social media, everything is out there,” Hanna said at the recent On3 Elite Series. “There were obviously more eyes, and I didn’t get a lot of minutes.” 

Cavinder Twins stress the importance of NIL education at On3 Elite Series

In the 2022-23 season, Haley averaged 12.2 points, 4.9 rebounds and 2.5 assists as a full-time starter, while Hanna averaged 3.8 points coming off the bench for the first time in her career. 

Miami reached the Elite Eight for the first time in program history and Hanna only logged 14 minutes in the final two games of their postseason run. 

“Going through that season, that was the first time we didn’t really play on the court together,”
Hanna said. “We’re constantly getting compared on social media.”

Social commentary impacted Cavinder Twins

Outwardly, Hanna said she didn’t let it show that the comments and the experiences bothered her. But it affected her dramatically. She needed time without basketball to realize how much she missed it. 

So, the sisters followed separate paths. Haley committed to TCU for the 2024-25 season – her final season – while Hanna focused more on the twins’ business endeavors. The sisters were still together, but they knew the clock was ticking and Haley would soon leave for TCU without her twin by her side. 

But that’s not what ended up happening. 

“I tried to kill that fire,” Hanna said. “I honestly couldn’t watch too much [college basketball] because I knew it would just keep coming up. I was like, ‘No, there’s no opportunities for me.’ But I swear, right when you close that door, it opens… the fire is definitely back.” 

Hanna announced her return to college basketball and Miami in April. A few hours later, Haley revealed she’d flipped her commitment from TCU to Miami. 

Because if the Cavinder Twins were both playing college basketball, they were surely going to play together. 

“I’m in a way better headspace, and I’m not going to let the outside noise affect my decisions,” Hanna said. “Ultimately, being on the basketball court with Haley makes my life way happier. So, if that’s what I want to do, then I’m going to do it.” 

Did NIL play factor in Cavinder twin’s return?

Many people speculated that the Cavinder’s return was related to NIL, but the twins shut down that thought. 

“I think that’s just funny,” Haley said. “A lot of people say that. For a lot of people that don’t know a lot about NIL, it’s very easy to say ‘NIL is why they’re coming back.’”

Hanna said she was “doing more than fine without NIL.”

“That was not the biggest motive,” Hanna said. “My biggest motivation was being able to go play on the court with my twin.” 

Last season without the Cavinders, Miami posted a 19-12 record and barely missed a postseason appearance. The Hurricanes lost seven players to the transfer portal this offseason but added a group of veteran transfers including Notre Dame’s Natalija Marshall and Mississippi State’s Darrione Rogers. They’ll also bring in two top-50 recruits.

Although it wasn’t the reason for their return, the Cavinders have a great appreciation for what NIL has provided them. Being well-known influencers, it was important for them to earn what they deserved throughout their college careers. 

“NIL is a great space,” Haley said. “Women’s basketball is on the come-up, and I’m excited to be back to help do my part in continuing that. The more eyes on women’s basketball, the better.”