Top 2025 recruit Lara Somfai commits to Stanford

Lara Somfai, a top recruit in the Class of 2025 out of IMG Academy, has committed to Stanford, she announced on Wednesday. She chose the Cardinal over Duke and UConn.

“I’m just someone who genuinely loves basketball,” Lara Somfai told On3 in a previous interview. “When people watch me, I hope they can tell.” 

The 6-foot-4 forward originally from Australia was relying on a gut feeling when making her decision – a feeling of comfortability and trust. 

“I think it’s kind of just a gut feeling,” Lara Somfai said. “My family – if they see me at the place like I do. The most important aspect, though, is definitely the relationships. I’d like to play with someone I can trust that however they are on the court, they care for me and want the best for me. The teammates I’m playing with are a huge factor because I’ve been with them for four years. So if they’re incredible people, it’ll be even better.”

Head coach Kate Paye has always been heavily involved in Somfai’s recruitment and played a huge role in her commitment.

“I absolutely have always loved Stanford,” Somfai told On3. “I think the academic side is super important to me and all the schools are incredible academic schools. But Stanford is just insane. At first, I was like, ‘Oh my gosh, there’s no way Stanford’s recruiting me.’ I genuinely didn’t believe it. It’s been so incredible. With coach Tara [VanDerveer] as well, I know she’s gone now, but I looked up to her so much. And coach Kate [Paye] was the one recruiting me. So when she took over, I didn’t really mind at all, because she’s the one I knew the best.”