Lara Somfai and Hailee Swain of Stanford have been named to the preseason watch list for the 2025-26 Tamika Catchings Award, according to an announcement by the U.S. Basketball Writers Association (USBWA). The award, which has recognized the national freshman player of the year since 1991-92, was renamed in 2020-21 after Tamika Catchings, a former Tennessee standout who won the honor in 1997-98.
Stanford is notable this year as the only school with more than one player among the 20 athletes on the watch list.
Somfai and Swain both started in Stanford’s recent win against UNC Greensboro. This marked the first time since November 17, 2000 that two freshmen started a season opener for Stanford. In that game, Somfai led her team with 15 points and eight rebounds. Swain contributed 12 points, four assists, and posted a +44 rating during her 29 minutes on court.
Both players entered college as highly rated recruits. ESPN HoopGurlz ranked Swain as No. 8 and Somfai as No. 12 nationally in their class. Their high school careers included being named McDonald’s All-Americans and Jordan Brand Classic All-Americans. They also participated in the Nike Hoop Summit—Swain representing USA Basketball and Somfai playing for the World Roster.
“Stanford is the only school with multiple players on this year’s 20-person preseason list,” stated the release.
The USBWA board selects candidates based on their performances and achievements at both high school and collegiate levels.
