Cavinder twins suffered ‘divide in our friendship’ playing basketball for Miami – prompting Hanna to speak to a THERAPIST as she struggled with having a small role on the team as sister Haley starred

The Cavinder twins saw a divide in their relationship during their senior year at University of Miami after Haley starred for the team, while Hanna rode the bench, leading her to seek help from a therapist. 

The sisters, Haley and Hanna, transferred to Miami’s program for their senior season last year after playing for Fresno State. 

However, the transfer marked the first time the twins were split down different paths, leaving Hanna mentally ‘spiraling.’

Haley starred for Katie Meier’s team, starting every game and leading the team in scoring. Meanwhile, Hanna had an inkling by preseason that she wouldn’t be starting alongside her sister. 

Going from a star athlete with one school to riding the bench would be tough for any athlete but the added layer of watching your competitive twin sister shine reduced Hanna to tears. 

‘It was hard to talk to Haley, because she was having a different experience on the court than I was,’ Hanna told GQ. ‘Mentally, I was spiraling. It was one of my lowest years, and I don’t think anybody really realized that. I wanted to get on the court.’ 

Hanna revealed that she would break into tears when their mom visited and ultimately sought out a therapist. 

Haley also struggled to see her sister at such a low point, admitting she was left feeling guilty for her on-court success. 

‘Hanna kind of took the back burner for my senior year,’ Haley said. She was thriving on the new team, but felt guilty for it. ‘I was experiencing everything kind of without her…. And that’s my person, you know? It was sickening to see her deal with it. It kind of put a little divide in our friendship and relationship as twins.’

The Cavinders and Miami took the March Madness by storm, causing a second-round upset of No. 1 seed Indiana and beating Villanova in the Sweet Sixteen before ultimately being knocked out by eventual champion LSU. 

Haley hailed making the NCAA tournament as their ‘dream,’ but admitted she knew Hanna wouldn’t return for another.  

The sisters could have had a fifth season of eligibility due to the Covid-19 pandemic but opted not to return for Miami this year. 

Haley said she had initially thought she would continue playing but ultimately couldn’t face the though of parting with her twin. 

‘I know that that’s gonna come,’ Haley said. ‘But we’re 22, and she’s my best friend. Even without basketball, being with my twin sister, that’s my rock and that’s what I want to do.’ 

More to follow.