Lady Vols Secure 3 Signees on McDonald’s All-American Teams: A Historic Achievement for Tennessee Women’s Basketball
The Tennessee Lady Vols have made a significant mark on the recruiting trail with the announcement of three of their signees being named to the prestigious McDonald’s All-American teams for 2025. Mia Pauldo, Deniya Prawl, and Jaida Civil have all earned spots on the rosters of the coveted annual game, making Tennessee the school with the most signees selected to this honor. The Lady Vols’ achievement is a testament to the program’s elite status in women’s college basketball and its continuing tradition of attracting top-tier talent.
This honor is particularly remarkable, as it places Tennessee ahead of other basketball powerhouses, including Stanford, which also has three signees. Yet, Tennessee’s trio stands out not only for their individual talent but also for their potential to elevate the Lady Vols program to new heights. For head coach Kellie Harper and her staff, this accomplishment underscores the hard work and strategic planning behind Tennessee’s recruitment strategy, which has positioned the school as one of the premier destinations for elite prospects in women’s basketball.
Each of the three signees brings a unique set of skills and attributes to the table, promising to make a significant impact on Tennessee’s roster in the upcoming seasons.
Mia Pauldo, a forward from Georgia, is a player known for her explosive athleticism and versatility on the court. Standing at 6’2″, Pauldo has the ability to play both inside and on the perimeter, making her a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses. She is a highly skilled scorer and rebounder, capable of taking over games in both transition and half-court settings. Her ability to stretch the floor with her shooting touch while also dominating in the paint makes her a unique prospect with tremendous upside. Pauldo’s selection to the McDonald’s All-American team is a recognition of her skill set and her potential to impact Tennessee’s frontcourt immediately.
Deniya Prawl, a guard from North Carolina, is another major asset to the Lady Vols’ future success. Known for her dynamic playmaking ability and leadership on the floor, Prawl is a crafty point guard who excels at creating opportunities for her teammates while also scoring efficiently. With exceptional court vision and high basketball IQ, Prawl has the capability to run an offense smoothly and effectively, a crucial trait for any program with championship aspirations. Her ability to facilitate and control the tempo of the game will be a valuable addition to Tennessee’s backcourt, allowing them to run a more fluid and cohesive offense.
Jaida Civil, a 6’0″ guard/forward from Florida, rounds out the trio of Lady Vols signees. Civil is an explosive athlete with great length and defensive potential. She has a unique ability to guard multiple positions and is known for her tenacity on both ends of the floor. Offensively, Civil is capable of driving to the basket, hitting mid-range shots, and also contributing as a playmaker. Her versatility allows her to thrive in various roles, and she is expected to bring a defensive edge to Tennessee’s team. Civil’s selection to the McDonald’s All-American team speaks to her well-rounded game and her ability to make an immediate impact at the next level.
With three signees on the McDonald’s All-American teams, Tennessee’s recruiting efforts are once again paying off in a big way. The Lady Vols have long been recognized as a premier program in women’s basketball, and this latest achievement reinforces their place at the top. The McDonald’s All-American game is one of the most prestigious high school events, and being selected to this honor is a clear indication of the talent and potential these young players possess.
Tennessee’s reputation for developing elite talent has been well-established over the years, with past stars like Chamique Holdsclaw, Tamika Catchings, and more recently, Rennia Davis, all having been part of the Lady Vols’ storied history. This trio of signees—Pauldo, Prawl, and Civil—represents the next wave of Lady Vols stars ready to continue that tradition. Each of these players will contribute to the team’s ultimate goal of returning to national championship contention, and their arrival will only make Tennessee a more formidable opponent in the SEC and beyond.
Tennessee’s commitment to recruiting players who not only have elite talent but also fit the program’s culture of hard work and determination has made it a destination for top players across the country. The Lady Vols’ program has consistently remained one of the most successful and respected in women’s college basketball, and these new signees are sure to continue that legacy.
The inclusion of three McDonald’s All-Americans is more than just a recruiting win for Tennessee—it’s a statement about the future of the program. While Tennessee has been a mainstay in the NCAA tournament, including multiple Final Four appearances, these three players have the potential to help the Lady Vols compete for national championships in the near future. Their collective talent adds to an already strong roster, and as they develop under Coach Kellie Harper’s leadership, they will be well-positioned to carry the torch for Tennessee women’s basketball.
With Pauldo’s versatility, Prawl’s leadership, and Civil’s defensive prowess, the Lady Vols have the pieces needed to compete at the highest level. As one of the most decorated programs in women’s basketball history, Tennessee continues to be a force to be reckoned with, and with the addition of these three standout recruits, the Lady Vols are poised to remain one of the top teams in the nation for years to come.
In conclusion, Tennessee’s three McDonald’s All-American signees are not just a recruiting win—they are a symbol of the Lady Vols’ continued commitment to excellence in women’s basketball. With Pauldo, Prawl, and Civil set to join the program, Tennessee’s future looks incredibly bright, and fans can look forward to watching these rising stars make an impact at the collegiate level. The Lady Vols have once again shown why they remain one of the premier destinations for elite basketball talent.