Gary Figueroa played water polo at UC Irvine, where he made All-American in 1975, 1976, and 1977. He played on the US National Team from 1975-84, making the ill-fated 1980 Olympic team, and winning a silver medal at the 1984 Olympics. Figueroa also won two gold medals at the Pan American Games, winning in 1979 and 1983. He was an eight-time US Water Polo All-American and was twice named Player of the Year. After his competitive career Figueroa stayed in the sport as a coach, first coaching at Salinas High School and later at Cal State Monterey Bay. He is a member of the US Water Polo Hall of Fame.