Women's Water Polo | July 01, 2016

SEASIDE, Calif. — Twelve years after the founding of the women's water polo program at Cal State Monterey Bay, the Otters will say farewell to the only coach they've ever known as Gary Figueroa announces he is stepping aside to pursue other opportunities.

"It is time for me to move on," says Figueroa. "This time working at MB has been humbling, eye–opening, educational and, most importantly, rewarding. "Thanks to all who have been a part of creating and supporting CSUMB women's water polo. I will do all I can to see it grow and improve."

"Coach Figueroa has been an outstanding leader for Cal State Monterey Bay for more than a decade. We are grateful for his devotion to CSUMB and the tremendous impact he's had on his student–athletes and our local water polo community," says CSUMB Director of Athletics Kirby Garry. "Gary's name has been synonymous with Otter water polo from Day 1. He leaves us with a solid foundation upon which we hope to build ever greater success in the pool in future seasons."

Under Figueroa, the Otter backed down from nobody in the pool, playing schedules that annually featured many of the top NCAA Division I programs in the country, including Stanford, Cal and USC and UCLA. Despite such daunting opposition, the Otters recorded a program–best 18 wins in 2012. He earned national coach of the year honors from the Association of Collegiate Water Polo Coaches for his efforts that season.

Four years, later, the Otters recorded their best postseason finish by placing third at the 2015 Western Water Polo Association Championship.

Individually, Figueroa's student–athletes found success both in the pool and in the classroom. Otter polo players earned more than 100 postseason academic honors, including eight in 2016 alone.

In the pool, Tatiana Veloso became the 13th Otter All–American when she picked up a second team nod this season. Included in that list is Nikki Smart, who was a 2–time NCAA Division II Player of the Year pick by the ACWPC.

An additional 13 Otters have earned all–conference recognition from the WWPA. Veloso and Maggie Albers joined that list in 2016.

The search for Figueroa's replacement will begin immediately.