STANFORD, Calif. – Dunlevie Family Director of Women's Water Polo John Tanner announced the signings of five elite prep standouts on Wednesday.
Allison Cohen (Newport Beach, CA), Mia Fabros (Simi Valley, CA), Samantha Hofley (Flower Mound, TX), Lily Palma (Walnut Creek, CA) and Kirra Pantaleon (Huntington Beach, CA) will join the Cardinal for its 2027 campaign.
"This class is uncommonly well-rounded and extremely excited to contribute to our team, program and University,” said Tanner, who enters his 29th season at the helm in 2026. “They comprehensively love playing water polo. Their eagerness to compete from the day they arrive on campus next September is palpable. We can’t wait to have them join us on The Farm."
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Allison Cohen • Newport Beach, CA • Orange Lutheran HS
SET Water Polo Club • Driver/2 Meter Defender
Quick Profile: Gold Medalist with USA Water Polo Junior National Team U20 World Championships Salvador, Brazil (2025) … member of the USA Water Polo World Championship Cadet National Team, Junior National Team and Youth National Team … gold medalist at Junior Olympics U18 Platinum Division (2023-25), U16 Division (2022) and First Team All-American (2023-25) … CIF Southern Section Champion with Orange Lutheran (2023-24) and CIF Regional Champion (2024-25), First Team All-CIF (2023-25), Trinity League Champion (2023-25), First Team All-League (2023-25), Trinity League MVP (2025) ... Orange County Register Player of the Year (2025) ... gold medalist USA Women's Senior Pan American Championships (2024).
Outside the Pool: Member of the National Honors Society and California Scholarship Federation ... High Honor Roll at Orange Lutheran High School all semesters attended ... leadership team of New Youth Bible Study ... serves with the special needs ministry at Mariners Church ... member of the Harbor View Swim Team since age four and helped coach a variety of age groups in swimming and water polo ... loves traveling to Hawaii and national parks, reading and playing the piano.
Why Stanford?: "I chose Stanford because of the school’s commitment to fostering an environment where learning and growth is not only valued, but also supported by resources that allow students to explore their passions. Attending Stanford has always been a dream of mine, and after visiting the campus, learning more about the water polo program, and immersing myself in the community, I knew that Stanford University was where I wanted to embark on my collegiate journey."
JT says: "Allison is a superb ballhandler, shooter and defender who is physically and mentally comfortable anywhere and against anyone. Allison has readily accepted challenges and risen to the occasion at each level she has competed. She is a tireless, cerebral player who makes everyone around her better."
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Mia Fabros • Simi Valley, CA • Oaks Christian HS
Santa Barbara Water Polo Club • Driver
Quick Profile: Current member of USA Water Polo Youth Academy Team … CIF Open Division Championship title and Co-Most Valuable Player (2025) … Marmonte League Most Valuable Player (2024-25) … Ventura County Player of the Year (2024-25) … gold medalist with Junior Olympics U16 (2023) and U14 (2022) … member of USA Water Polo Cadet National Team (2023-24) … bronze medalist with USA Water Polo Cadet National Team at PanAm Aquatics U20 Championships (2024).
Outside the Pool: HS Head of School’s List Junior Year … Portrait of a Graduate Excellence coin … enjoys playing her guitar, composing and singing original songs … homeschooled seven years … lived in eight Spanish-speaking countries … Spanish tutor … enjoys surfing, baking and making jewelry.
Why Stanford?: "Since my first introduction to Stanford, I have been drawn to its environment that pushes students toward both academic and athletic excellence. My fields of interest are Economics, Spanish and Symbolic Systems, and I am greatly inspired by the opportunity to collaborate and foster innovation with like-minded Stanford peers. Attracted to Stanford’s team culture, I am looking forward to being part of a team that nurtures inspiration, respect and interdevelopment. I am excited to jump right in!”
JT says: "Mia is a big-game performer, at her best in the biggest games, leading her high school team to unprecedented levels. Mia is a clever passer who makes great decisions, and keeps her poise in critical moments, and exudes joy, thereby elevating everyone around her.”
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Samantha Hofley • Flower Mound, TX • Coram Deo Academy
SOCAL Water Polo Club • Utility
Quick Profile: Member of USA Junior National Team … U20 World Champion (2025) … competed with youth national team at U18 World Championships (2024) … USA Water Polo Academic All-American (2022-25).
Outside the Pool: Coaches U12 and U14 club teams … loves getting to know the kids and teaching them about the sport she loves … enjoys painting and serves as a teacher’s aid for high school art classes, helping run and organize her school’s annual art show … two of her paintings won titles in state competition … finished every year of high school with the highest academic honors, Summa Cum Laude … AP Scholar with Distinction.
Why Stanford?: "I chose Stanford because of the limitless opportunities it offers to students, creating a culture driven by curiosity and excellence. I am so excited to be a part of a community where ambition and pushing beyond limits aren’t just encouraged, but expected. Stanford’s legacy is unparalleled in every field, and I can’t wait to join and contribute to such an amazing group of women.”
JT says: "Sam is a fast and fearless center who puts constant pressure on opposing defenses. Sam has been relentless in her commitment to world-class water polo, constantly traveling for training and competition, from weekend camps to U20 World Championships. All the while, she exudes a growth mindset in the pool and every endeavor she pursues.”
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Lily Palma • Walnut Creek, CA • Las Lomas HS
Lamorinda Water Polo • Center
Quick Profile: Current member of USA Water Polo Junior National Team ... gold medalist with USA Water Polo Junior National Team at U20 World Aquatics Championships in Salvador, Brazil (2025) ... member of USA Water Polo Youth National Team in Chengdu, China (2024) ... DAL All League 1st Team (2022-24) ... USA Water Polo Junior Olympics All-Tournament Team First Team U18 Girls (2025) … Junior Olympics All-American (2019, 2021-24).
Outside the Pool: Girl Scouts of America, partnering with community organizations and participating in the Secret Santa Program to support families in need ... annually raised funds through door-to-door cookie sales ... fosters kittens and puppies (2014-25) through the Animal Rescue Foundation and Contra Costa Humane Society, helping care for nearly 100 animals and supporting their adoption into permanent homes ... member of Sun Valley Swim Team since age six ... coaches youth swimming and water polo, including Splashball, U10 boys and U14 girls at Lamorinda Water Polo Club ... tutors middle school students in grades 6-8 … enjoys going to the beach, shopping and visiting family on the East Coast.
Why Stanford?: "I chose Stanford because I wanted to surround myself with people who challenge and inspire me. The program feels like a family committed to excellence, with coaching, team culture and academics all aligned with the person and player I want to become. I know Stanford is the right environment for me to continue growing and reach my full potential.”
JT says: "Lily is a fiercely determined center who manages to score despite double teams and tight windows. She was a formidable presence at the U20 World Championships, thriving throughout and scoring twice in the semifinal win over Italy. Lily’s sustained urgency and teammateship are signatures of her play on every team she competes for.”
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Kirra Pantaleon • Huntington Beach, CA • Mater Dei HS
Regency Water Polo • Driver
Quick Profile: Current Member of USA Water Polo Youth National Team … Santa Barbara Tournament of Champions MVP (2025) … Orange County Register Girls Athlete of the Week (2025) … gold medalist with Regency Water Polo Junior Olympics U16 (2024) … two-time Player of the Match recipient in Cadet World Championships (2024) … two-time honoree of United States Club Championships All-Tournament MVP (2021, 2025).
Outside the Pool: Awarded Principal’s List Honor Roll (2022-25) … USA Water Polo Academic All-American Outstanding Honors (2022-25) … recognized as Artist of the Month (2023) for excellence in digital photo design and creative expression … as volunteer organizer and dancer, helped plan event while dancing alongside participants with disabilities, an experience that deepened her appreciation for joy, inclusivity and human connection through movement (2024-25) … hobbies include photography, photo collage art and road tripping.
Why Stanford?: "I chose Stanford because it feels limitless and full of people who will push me to be my best. Being surrounded by Olympians and some of the smartest minds in the world inspires me to keep growing and learning from each person I meet. Stanford feels like where I’m meant to be, and I’m excited for how much I’ll learn and grow here.”
JT says: "Kirra is a dynamic, fast, athletic driver and a great goal scorer. Kirra is a quiet but determined competitor whose mobility and length make her valuable in all phases of offense and defense. She is a deeply curious student and polo player who will flourish in and contribute to the greater Stanford community.”