Miami guard Haley Cavinder, who previously announced her retirement from basketball along with her twin sister Hanna, has entered the NCAA’s transfer portal and plans to play during the 2024-25 season. Cavinder had a successful season last year, earning second-team All-ACC honors and helping Miami reach the Elite Eight in the NCAA tournament. She averaged 12.2 points and 4.9 rebounds per game. Cavinder will have about a year off before returning to the court and is considering staying with Miami or exploring other schools.
The Cavinder twins rose to fame through their popular TikTok videos and became prominent figures in the Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) movement in college athletics. In April, they announced their decision to forgo their remaining eligibility to pursue opportunities with WWE. The twins signed NIL deals with the wrestling promotion in 2021, among other agreements that allowed college athletes to profit from their name, image, and likeness.
Haley Cavinder’s decision to enter the NCAA transfer portal raises questions about her future in basketball. While she previously expressed her intention to retire, her return to the court shows a change of heart. It’s unclear what factors influenced her decision, but the opportunity to continue playing at a collegiate level may have played a role.
Miami, where Cavinder played her previous season, is still a potential destination for her. The source mentioned that she will consider remaining with the Hurricanes, indicating that she may still have a connection to the program. However, the transfer portal offers her the opportunity to explore other schools and potentially find a new basketball team to join.
Cavinder’s success on the basketball court, as well as her popularity on social media, make her an intriguing prospect for any program. Her ability to generate buzz and draw attention through platforms like TikTok can be valuable for schools looking to boost their visibility and attract fans. Additionally, her on-court performance, including being named to the All-ACC team, showcases her skill and potential as a player.
The emergence of the NIL movement has provided college athletes like the Cavinder twins with new avenues for monetizing their talents. By signing endorsement deals and partnering with organizations like WWE, they have been able to leverage their popularity and pursue opportunities outside of their collegiate athletic careers. While staying in the world of professional wrestling seemed to be their initial plan, Haley Cavinder’s decision to return to basketball demonstrates the uncertainty and fluidity of athletes’ career paths.
Overall, Haley Cavinder’s entry into the NCAA transfer portal signals a potential return to basketball after her initial retirement announcement. While she had initially planned to pursue opportunities with WWE, she will now have the chance to continue playing at the collegiate level. Whether she chooses to stay with Miami or explore other schools, her skill and popularity make her an exciting prospect for any program. Her decision also highlights the evolving landscape of college athletics, with the NIL movement granting athletes newfound opportunities to pursue their passions and profit from their talents.
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