The Cavinder Twins, Hanna and Haley, helped the Miami Hurricanes through an impressive run in the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament this month, with the program making it to the Elite Eight for the first time in its history.

The Canes would pull off a shocking upset with a win over Indiana that sent them to the Sweet 16 for just the second time ever. They followed that up with a win over Villanova before bowing out to LSU on Sunday.

While the run produced lots of happy moments, the Cavinders were playing with heavy hearts as a family member was dealing with a troubling health issue. The Twins revealed as much in a vlog this week, recapping their journey through March Madness.


“We got the dub, so we’re in the round of 32,” Haley said. “It was really good. We had some family issues occur, so one of my people had to go back to Michigan. I’m not gonna get into all that, I like to keep myself offline but that’s why my mood isn’t really up. But today is Sunday, so we just have to prepare for Indiana.”

The twins have received an outpouring of support since the revelation.

“Both of you make sure y’all come back and play again next year I never even watched women’s basketball but do now because of you two,” one fan wrote.

Another added: “Hope everyone is feeling better!”

Hanna also explained the feeling of advancing to the Sweet 16, having faced top-seeded Indiana. But she also admitted that the making of the video was difficult given the circumstances.

“That was crazy, that game was insane,” she said. “Especially playing in Indiana, in front of their fans. I just can’t believe we’re going to Sweet 16.

“This video was kind of hard to film. I know Haley mentioned personal health problems within our family and it was hard, our emotions were everywhere but everything is good now. Solidifying that win was the cherry on top.”

Haley led the team with an average of 12.2 points a game while her sister chipped in with 3.8 per contest.

At the moment, the family member in question remains unknown.