Haley Cavinder has become a prominent figure in the landscape of college sports and social media. Known for her dynamic presence both on and off the basketball court, she has cultivated a significant following and established herself as a successful athlete and influential digital creator. This article delves into her journey, achievements, and the various aspects that have captured public attention, particularly what generates interest in her on platforms like YouTube and Google.
From the Hardwood to the Headlines: Haley’s Basketball Journey
Born on January 13, 2001, in South Bend, Indiana, Haley Cavinder, along with her twin sister Hanna, embarked on their basketball careers early in life. Their dedication and talent led them to play for Gilbert High School in Arizona, where they both excelled.
Fresno State Bulldogs (2019-2022)
Haley’s collegiate basketball journey began at Fresno State University. From the outset, she proved to be a formidable player:
Freshman Year (2019-2020): Haley made an immediate impact, setting a Fresno State record for the most points in a freshman debut with 23 points against Cal Poly. She earned Mountain West Conference (MWC) Player of the Week honors twice and was named to the MWC All-Freshman Team. Her impressive scoring streak at the beginning of her college career highlighted her offensive capabilities.
Sophomore Year (2020-2021): Her sophomore season saw continued growth, as she earned All-MWC First Team honors. She led the team in scoring and demonstrated her versatility as a guard.
Junior Year (2021-2022): Haley’s junior year was exceptional. She was again selected to the All-Mountain West team and set an NCAA record for free-throw percentage in a season, converting an astounding 97.3% of her attempts. She also led the MWC in both scoring and rebounding, a rare feat, and recorded three triple-doubles, ranking her among the top players in the nation in this category.
Miami Hurricanes (2022-2023 & 2024-2025)
In 2022, the Cavinder twins transferred to the University of Miami, a move that garnered national attention due to their burgeoning social media presence and Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals.
Senior Year (2022-2023): While her scoring numbers dipped slightly compared to her time at Fresno State, Haley remained a key player for the Hurricanes, contributing to their Elite Eight run in the NCAA Tournament. She showcased her adaptability and ability to contribute to a high-level program.
Return for Final Year (2024-2025): After initially announcing her retirement from basketball to pursue opportunities in professional wrestling with WWE, Haley ultimately decided to return to the University of Miami for her final year of collegiate eligibility in the 2024-2025 season. This decision was met with excitement from fans and analysts. In her final season, Haley demonstrated her continued high level of play, earning All-ACC Second Team recognition. She averaged 18.2 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game, showcasing her all-around skill set and leadership for the Hurricanes.
The Social Media Phenomenon: Building a Digital Empire
Beyond her achievements on the basketball court, Haley Cavinder, alongside her twin sister Hanna, has become a significant force in the social media world. Their shared TikTok account, “@cavindertwins,” boasts millions of followers and has garnered hundreds of millions of likes.
The Rise of the Cavinder Twins on Social Media
The twins’ foray into TikTok began in April 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Their engaging content, featuring synchronized dances, basketball skills, and lifestyle snippets, quickly resonated with a large audience. Their ability to connect with viewers through authentic and entertaining videos has been key to their rapid growth and popularity.
Expanding Their Digital Footprint
In addition to TikTok, Haley maintains a strong presence on other platforms:
Instagram (@haleycavinder): With over a million followers, her Instagram showcases a mix of fitness content, basketball highlights, and collaborations with various brands. Her posts often feature professional photoshoots and glimpses into her personal life, creating a relatable and inspiring persona.
X (formerly Twitter) (@cavinderhaley): While her follower count is smaller compared to Instagram and TikTok, her X account provides real-time updates, motivational quotes, and basketball insights, allowing for more direct engagement with fans.
YouTube (The Cavinder Twins): The twins also have a YouTube channel where they share longer-form content, including morning routines, fitness challenges, and insights into their lives as student-athletes and entrepreneurs.
Navigating the NIL Era: Trailblazers in College Sports
Haley and Hanna Cavinder have been at the forefront of the Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) era in college sports. They were among the first student-athletes to capitalize on the NCAA’s rule change in July 2021, signing numerous endorsement deals with prominent brands.
Early Success in NIL
Within minutes of the NIL rules going into effect, the Cavinder twins announced a partnership with Boost Mobile in a high-profile campaign in Times Square. This marked the beginning of a series of lucrative deals with companies such as:
Six Star Pro Nutrition
WWE
Champs Sports
Eastbay
Gopuff
SoFi
Under Armour
Victoria’s Secret PINK
Intuit TurboTax
Raising Cane’s
Crocs
Core Hydration
Slate Milk
Hustle Beauty (where they also own a stake)
Betr (where they also own a stake)
Forbes estimated their annual NIL earnings to be in the millions, positioning them among the highest-paid female college athletes in the country. Their success in the NIL space has been attributed to their significant social media reach and their savvy approach to brand partnerships.
The NCAA Controversy
The twins’ high-profile NIL deals have not been without scrutiny. In early 2023, the University of Miami women’s basketball program faced NCAA sanctions related to impermissible contact between a booster and the Cavinder twins during their recruitment. While the twins themselves were not penalized and their eligibility was not affected, the case highlighted the complexities and evolving landscape of NIL regulations. The NCAA found that head coach Katie Meier had facilitated an inappropriate meeting between the twins and a booster, who provided them with a meal. This led to a suspension for Meier and probation for the program. The twins responded to the NCAA ruling with a viral TikTok video questioning the organization’s stance on female athletes’ value.
FAQs
Who is Haley Cavinder?
Haley Cavinder is an American former collegiate basketball player and social media influencer. She played as a point guard for the Miami Hurricanes and previously for Fresno State. Alongside her twin sister, Hanna, she gained prominence through basketball and their joint TikTok account, amassing over 4.6 million followers .
When and where was Haley Cavinder born?
Haley was born on January 13, 2001, in South Bend, Indiana, USA .
What is Haley Cavinder’s height and wingspan?
Haley stands at 5 feet 6 inches tall (1.68 meters) and has a wingspan of approximately 5 feet 9 inches .
What were Haley Cavinder’s college basketball achievements?
Fresno State (2019–2022):
Mountain West Player of the Year (2021)
Set NCAA Division I single-season free throw percentage record
Three-time All-Mountain West Team selection
Recorded multiple triple-doubles in a season
Miami Hurricanes (2022–2023, 2024–2025):
Two-time All-ACC Second Team honoree
Averaged 18.2 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game in the 2024–25 season
Did Haley Cavinder retire from basketball?
Yes, Haley announced her retirement from basketball in March 2025 after completing her final college season with the Miami Hurricanes .
Is Haley Cavinder engaged?
Yes, Haley got engaged to Dallas Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson in April 2025. The couple began dating in September 2023 and announced their engagement following a romantic beachfront proposal .
What is the Cavinder Twins’ social media presence?
Haley and her twin sister Hanna run the “Cavinder Twins” TikTok account, boasting over 4.6 million followers. They are known for their dance routines, basketball content, and lifestyle videos .
What are Haley Cavinder’s post-basketball plans?
Post-retirement, Haley continues to focus on her social media career and business ventures. She and her sister have been involved in various endorsement deals and are exploring opportunities in professional wrestling through WWE’s “Next In Line” program .
Did Haley Cavinder have any NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deals?
Yes, Haley was among the first college athletes to capitalize on NIL opportunities. She secured deals with companies like Boost Mobile and WWE and co-founded the clothing company Baseline Team .
What is Haley Cavinder’s educational background?
Haley majored in business during her time at the University of Miami .
To conclude
Haley Cavinder’s journey from a high school basketball standout to a collegiate star and social media influencer exemplifies the evolving landscape of modern athletics. Her ability to balance sports, academics, and a burgeoning online presence showcases her versatility and determination. As she transitions into new ventures post-basketball, Haley continues to inspire many with her entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to personal growth.
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