STANFORD, Calif. – Dunlevie Family Director of Women's Water Polo John Tanner announced the signings of five decorated student-athletes to National Letters of Intent on Wednesday.
Kamryn Barone (Mechanicsburg, Pa.), Christine Carpenter (Yucaipa, Calif.), Quinn Healy (Capitola, Calif.), Reagan McEachen (Santa Barbara, Calif.) and Avery Montiel (Newport Beach, Calif.) will join the Cardinal for the 2024 campaign.
"This is a class of teammates, women who bring their best selves to the pool every day and who have been architects of their teams' alignment, helping shape squads that respond resourcefully and resiliently in big moments," said Tanner, who begins his 26th season at the helm in 2023. "We can't wait for them to get to The Farm and look forward to partnering with them in pursuing their world class aspirations as Stanford women's water polo teammates, Stanford classmates and dormmates and lifelong learners and leaders."
Kamryn Barone • Mechanicsburg, Pa. • Santa Margarita Catholic HS • SET Club • DriverQuick Profile: Three-time Ms. PA Water Polo (awarded to best player in the state of Pennsylvania) while at Cumberland Valley High School ... three-time USAWP Academic All-American award ... seven-time American water polo scholar ... selected for USAWP development, cadet, youth and junior national teams ... three-time captain ... three-time first team all-state selection at Cumberland Valley High School.
Outside the Pool: Earned first degree black belt in Taekwondo (only 3 out of 100 martial artists earn a black belt) ... as a martial arts instructor, taught self-defense to disadvantaged youth ... volunteered as a middle school water polo coach and club swim coach ... published poet who has had a poem published in the youth poetry digest ... volunteers as a math tutor.
Why Stanford?: "Stanford University embodies excellence. The school is iconic in name, tradition, academics and athletics. I chose Stanford because I want to be challenged every day and pushed beyond my limits to produce the best version of myself. Let's get to work!"
Coach Tanner says: "Kamryn combines grace and fluidity with explosiveness and agility, a determined and dynamic athlete who has made huge strides in recent years. Kamryn has uncommon mobility and acceleration, making her a great fit with our high tempo playing style."
Christine Carpenter • Yucaipa, Calif. • Yucaipa HS • CHAWP Club • GoalkeeperQuick Profile: Youth World Championships gold medalist (2022) ... Junior Pan American Games top goalkeeper and gold medalist (2022) ... CIF Southern Section record holder for most saves in a season ... Division 2 CIF Southern Section Champions and MVP (2022).
Outside the Pool: Coaches goalkeepers and 12U for Sand Canyon Water Polo Club ... involved in Fellowship of Christian Athletes at her school, helping plan meetings and organize events ... loves anything that allows her to be competitive ... enjoys reading dystopian novels in her spare time.
Why Stanford?: "I wanted to be in a place where I am surrounded by the best, and challenged both academically and athletically. I am looking forward to meeting extraordinary people and taking unique classes, along with water polo, of course."
Coach Tanner says: "Christine is a sensational goalie who is comprehensively ready to play at this level. We are extremely excited about her athleticism, technical skill and mental toughness, but we are most excited about her team-first mentality that inspires those who play defense in front of her."
Quinn Healy • Capitola, Calif. • Soquel HS • Stanford Club • Driver Quick Profile: Captured gold medal at the Youth Pan Ams with USA Youth National Team (2022) ... captured gold medal at the Pythia Cup with USA Youth National Team (2022) ... led high school team to CCS Open Division title (2021), becoming the first team of any sport in Santa Cruz County to win an Open Division CCS crown ... captured gold medal at ODP National Championships (2019).
Outside the Pool: Coached Stanford Water Polo Club 10U team, teaching fundamental basics of water polo and team dynamics through hands-on instruction in the water ... assisted an environmental research task force with fish recapture counting to assess water quality levels and calculate the effects of hazardous contaminants in local waterways ... youngest to ever complete the Alcatraz open water swim at age 7.
Why Stanford?: "I have always been drawn to Stanford because of its long history of academic and athletic excellence. I am looking forward to being surrounded by an intelligent and diverse group of students who are motivated to work hard toward their own individual goals but are also humbled by the opportunity to be part of the bigger contribution Stanford makes to the world."
Coach Tanner says: "Quinn is a versatile athlete who is comfortable in front of the goal or on the perimeter, the kind of player who thrives playing fast, dynamic, matchup-based water polo. Quinn's creative, in-the-moment problem solving makes her a joy to watch."
Reagan McEachen • Santa Barbara, Calif. • San Marcos HS • SB 805 Club • 2-Meter Quick Profile: Six-time USA Water Polo Junior Olympics All-American (2015, 2017-19, 2021-22) ... USA Water Polo Youth National Team (2021-22) ... USA Water Polo Junior Olympics 16U Championship Gold Medal (2021) ... CIF-SS Open Division All-American Second Team (2021-22).
Outside the Pool: Accelerated Academic Program for Leadership and Enrichment (AAPLE) Academy member ... Cybertutorial Program co-chair responsible for educational content, mentorship and tutoring of primary school students ... Santa Barbara 805 Water Polo Club and high school water polo volunteer ... Link Crew program member responsible for mentorship of first-year high school students.
Why Stanford?: "I am thrilled to be joining the Stanford tradition of athletic and academic excellence. I look forward to being part of a community of enthusiastic educators and motivated students that cultivates innovation with a focus on how to better our world."
Coach Tanner says: "Reagan plays center - our sport's most demanding position - exuberantly and skillfully. She is physical, fearless and composed competing at maximum heart rate, and she has thrived playing against higher-level defenders."
Avery Montiel • Newport Beach, Calif. • Newport Harbor HS • Newport Club • Driver Quick Profile: Member of USA Youth National Team ... Open Division CIF-SS champion and Open Division CIF Regional champion as a first-team selection (2022) ... 18U Junior Olympic Champion (2022).
Outside the Pool: Works as an ocean lifeguard for Newport Beach as both an emergency medical responder and in public service ... utilizes her athletic strength and stamina to be a first responder ... interested in studying biomedical engineering to pursue a career in medicine.
Why Stanford?: "I could not wish for a better place to spend the next four years. Seeing how Stanford helps its student athletes succeed in and out of the classroom is what drew me the program."
Coach Tanner says: "Avery is a brilliant left-handed attacker with elite-level awareness of and connection with teammates, a player who amplifies the talents of everyone around her. Avery thrives in big moments, a calm but imposing presence at both ends of the pool."