Sprinter Stella Canoles Stays In State, Chooses Cal Golden Bears for 2028
NEW COMMIT: Lafayette, Calif. native Stella Canoles has announced her verbal commitment to the University of California, Berkeley for Fall 2028. Canoles, who is among the top recruits in the class, is a Summer Nationals qualifier who is an up-and-coming sprint freestyler.
She will join Noelle Benkler in the Bay Area as a member of the Golden Bears’ Class of 2032.
Regarding her commitment, she said:
“I have been so fortunate to grow up around Cal swimming, and I have many happy memories centered on the Bears – from learning cheers at summer camp and getting my caps signed, to watching from the stands as my swimming heroes raced. I dreamed of following in their footsteps. Now, I’m honored to share my verbal commitment to swim and study at the University of California, Berkeley. Thank you to Coach Dave and the entire Cal coaching staff for this incredible opportunity, and for believing in my potential. To my parents, thank you for going above and beyond to make this process, and everything outside the pool, so positive. Your unwavering support means more than I can say. And thank you to Ronnie and Donnie for preparing me for this journey. I’m grateful for all of you, and can’t wait to be a Golden Bear. Go Bears! 💙💛”
Canoles, who does her club swimming with Orinda Aquatics, was a four-time finalist at Junior Nationals this past summer, highlighted by a pair of 13th-place showings in the 50m free and 100m free.
Last winter, Canoles raced to fifth in the 50 free, sixth in the 100 free and 13th in the 100 fly at Juniors West. She then won the 50/100 free combo at Roseville Speedo Sectionals in February, plus runner-up finishes in the 100 fly, 200 fly and 200 free.
She started club swimming at just 14 years old. She holds several Pacific LSC records.
Her best times include:
- 50 free – 22.43
- 100 free – 49.17
- 200 free – 1:47.93
- 100 fly – 53.87
- 200 fly – 1:59.43
- 100 back – 54.95
- 200 back – 2:01.64
- 200 IM – 2:03.30
Currently a junior at Campolindo High School, Canoles won the 100 free and took second in the 50 free at the 2025 CIF State Championships. The NISCA All-American then finished sixth in the 100 free and 10th in the 50 free in 2026.
The Golden Bears finished third at the 2026 Atlantic Coast Conference Championships and fourth at the 2026 NCAA Championships.
Even at just 16 years old, Canoles’ best time in the 50 free would’ve ranked fourth on Cal’s roster last year and would’ve scored in the C-final at the conference meet.
Canoles was featured in Special Sets two years ago, which can be found HERE.
If you have a commitment to share, please send a photo and quote via email to hs@swimmingworld.com.
