Gary Figueroa has extensive experience in the water polo community, currently serving with the USA Water Polo referees association since 1998, focusing on improving communication and education between coaches and officials. Figueroa also held the position of Head Water Polo Coach at CSU Monterey Bay from 2004 until August 2016. Figueroa earned a Bachelor of Science in Social Sciences from UC Irvine between 1974 and 1978.