Haley Cavinder, the former Miami guard, has made a commitment to TCU for her fifth and final year of college eligibility. She announced this exciting news on social media, saying it’s her ‘last rodeo.’ Alongside her announcement, she shared a photo of herself in a TCU uniform on Instagram.
Haley and her twin sister, Hanna, have been making the most of the new name, image, and likeness policies in college athletics. They gained popularity during the pandemic, especially on TikTok, where their joint account now has a whopping 4.5 million followers. This fame has led to numerous endorsement deals, including partnerships with Champs, WWE, LifeWallet, and many others.
Haley’s performance on the court has been impressive. Last season, she was a second-team All-ACC selection, averaging 12.2 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.5 assists. She played a crucial role in helping Miami reach the Elite Eight for the first time in the school’s history. During her time at Fresno State, she was named the 2021 Mountain West Player of the Year and even set a single-season NCAA record for free throw percentage (.973, 109 of 112).
In April, the twins announced their retirement from basketball. However, Haley had a change of heart and decided to enter the transfer portal in October, taking advantage of the extra year of eligibility granted to college basketball athletes during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Haley had initially planned to return for a fifth season, but with Hanna moving on from the sport, she didn’t want to continue playing without her twin. On their podcast, ‘Twin Talk,’ Haley expressed her inner conflict and how she was drawn back to basketball, realizing that her passion for the sport was undeniable.
She emphasized the importance of individuality, especially for twins, stating that it’s okay to have separate passions and lead distinct lives while still being connected.
Haley will be gearing up for the 2024-25 season, and TCU is looking forward to a fresh start after finishing last in the Big 12 standings in 2022-23. The hiring of former Oregon associate head coach Mark Campbell has brought renewed hope to the team. Campbell has made significant transfers, including all five starters, which has raised expectations for the upcoming season and beyond.