Lady Vols Star Freshman Point Guard Out vs. Missouri

Mia Pauldo ruled out after suffering multiple head hits in previous game

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Lady Vols basketball freshman point guard Mia Pauldo has been ruled out for Tennessee's game against Missouri on Thursday night. Pauldo suffered multiple hits to the head against South Carolina on Sunday, though the exact reason she will miss the game against the Tigers is not certain at this point. Pauldo has emerged as one of the best players for the Lady Vols this season, averaging 11.6 points, 2.6 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game.

Why it matters

Pauldo's absence is a significant blow for the Lady Vols, as she has been one of their top performers this season. Her scoring, playmaking and defense have been crucial to the team's success, and her absence could make it more difficult for Tennessee to win against Missouri.

The details

Pauldo is coming off a rough performance against No. 3 South Carolina, where she produced no points on 0-for-10 shooting from the field and 0-for-9 from range. However, her father revealed that she was down a contact lens early in the game and played the first half with them. For Missouri, it will be without several key players, including Averi Kroenke, Sydney Mains and Hannah Linthacum.

  • Pauldo suffered the head hits in Tennessee's game against South Carolina on Sunday.
  • The Lady Vols will face Missouri on Thursday night.

The players

Mia Pauldo

A star freshman point guard for the Tennessee Lady Vols basketball team, who is averaging 11.6 points, 2.6 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game this season.

Kim Caldwell

The head coach of the Tennessee Lady Vols basketball team, who will be asked to provide an update on Pauldo's status after the game against Missouri.

Kellie Harper

The head coach of the Missouri women's basketball team, who is a former player and head coach for the Lady Vols.

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What they’re saying

“I don't think she made bad plays. I think she still played hard. I just think her shot didn't fall tonight. And we are better when she's better.”

— Kim Caldwell, Head Coach, Tennessee Lady Vols (rockytopinsider.com)

“She was down a contact lens early in the game and played the first half with them.”

— DJ Pauldo, Father of Mia Pauldo (rockytopinsider.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

Pauldo's absence is a significant blow for the Lady Vols, as she has been one of their top performers this season. Her scoring, playmaking and defense have been crucial to the team's success, and her absence could make it more difficult for Tennessee to win against Missouri.