As the only coach in the program’s history, Gary Figueroa is now entering his 12th year as head women's water polo coach. The 2015 season brought a third place finish at the WWPA Championship Tournament to CSUMB. It is the best conference finish in program history. The season also brought five All-WWPA players and three ACWPC All-American, the most in program history.
In 2012 Figueroa led Cal State Monterey Bay to their best-ever finish in the WWPA. The Otters finished 18-15 overall, including a semifinal appearance in the WWPA tournament. The season's sucess earned Figueroa the NCAA Division II Coach of the Year award. Figueroa was also named WWPA Coach of the Year.
Figueroa brings a wealth of successful experience and visibility to the CSUMB water polo program. Figueroa comes to CSUMB after being the head water polo coach at Salinas High School and has been instrumental in the in the development of water polo throughout the local region with his youth instructional and development club programs.
In his time at CSUMB, Figueroa has placed five players on the Collegiate Water Polo Association DII All-American teams and four on All-Western Water Polo Association teams. Under his guidance, two players have captured NCAA national records: Chelsea Laning for career & season goals and goalkeeper Jenna Beer in saves.
Figueroa is a member of the US Water Polo Hall of Fame, an eight time US Water Polo All American and twice was named the “National Player of the Year”. Figueroa was a member of the US National Team from 1975-84. He earned a spot on the 1980 Olympic team but due to the United States boycott, was not able to compete. Four years later, Figueroa was a member of the Team USA who captured a silver medal at the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles. He also led Team USA to two gold medals in the prestigious Pan American Games .
Figueroa received his degree from the University of California, Irvine where his offensive performances still remain as standards in the sport. He was a three-time All-American in 1975, '76 and '77.
Figueroa resides in Salinas with his wife Marlee.
Last Updated: 12/12/12
