SANTA CLARA, Calif. — The Santa Clara University women's water polo team announced Wednesday the signing of standout center Hailey Romano to its 2026 recruiting class. Hailing from San Diego, Romano brings a strong combination of high-level athletic accomplishment and academic excellence to the Broncos' program.
 
Romano, currently a senior at Cathedral Catholic High School, is a three-time all-league honoree, including first team honors in the San Diego City Eastern League (2023) and second team selections in the San Diego City Western League (2022, '24). She scored 65 goals, tallied 30 assists and collected 49 steals as a sophomore in 2022-23.
 

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As a member of the San Diego Shores Water Polo Club, Romano has showcased her skills at four different Junior Olympics. She also competed with the USAWP Pacific Southwest Olympic Development Program (ODP) team in 2022 and 2024.
 
Outside of the pool, Romano's dedication to service and academics shines through her leadership roles as a California Scholarship Federation officer and National Honor Society member. She also actively participates in the National Charity League. In the classroom, she has been dubbed a USA Water Polo Outstanding Academic All-American for three consecutive years (2022-24).
 
Romano is the first signee for the Broncos' incoming recruiting class for the 2026 season. The team currently has 14 underclassmen – seven freshmen and seven sophomores – on its roster heading into next spring's 2025 campaign.