CLAREMONT, Calif. - Fresno State water polo assistant coach Tamara Perea is set to be inducted into the Pomona-Pitzer Athletic Hall of Fame, the athletic department announced earlier this month. Perea is one of nine individuals who are a part of this induction class, with the official ceremony being held on Thursday, April 25, 2024 in the Center for Athletics, Recreation, and Wellness (CARW) at Pomona College at 220 E. Sixth Street, Claremont.
Perea has been with the Bulldogs' program since 2019, helping coach the team to three-straight Golden Coast Conference championship titles and NCAA national championship appearances in those seasons.
She came to the Bulldog program after spending a season as the head coach at Siena College. Prior to her time at Siena College, Perea spent the 2017 season at Marist serving as an assistant coach for the water polo program.
Perea started her collegiate coaching career at her alma mater, Pomona-Pitzer College. She first served as the men's water polo assistant coach in 2012 and then became the assistant coach for the women's team from 2013-16. She helped propel Pomona-Pitzer to two straight SCIAC titles in her first two seasons as an assistant for the women.
Prior to her coaching career, Perea was a standout student-athlete for Pomona-Pitzer from 2007-11.
During her time as a Sagehen student-athlete, Perea led the Sagehens to a Division III National Championship, two Division I NCAA Tournament Championship appearances, and two SCIAC Championships. She finished her career as one of the most decorated women's water polo athletes as a two-time Division III Player of the Year, three-time Division III All-American, two-time SCIAC Player of the Year, four-time All-SCIAC selection, NCAA Championship All-Tournament Team, and Pomona-Pitzer Female Athlete of the Year honors in 2011.
Perea graduated from Pomona-Pitzer in 2011 with a bachelor's degree in Psychology. After graduation, she continued her playing career professionally in Madrid, Spain, competing for La Latina in the Division de Honor Feminina during the 2011-12 season. There, she was the leader in goals scored and assists.
Perea graduated from Upland High School in 2007 where she played water polo for four years for the Highlanders. She was an All-American, Team Captain, a two-time CIF Southern Section Champion, First Team All-CIF, Second Team All-CIF, four-time Baseline League Champion, Baseline League MVP, First Team All-Baseline League and Second Team All-Baseline League.