USA Water Polo

Masters Water Polo in the United States is in a better place thanks to people like Michael Garibaldi. A standout at water polo in his youth at the Foothill Aquatic Club under the direction of Nort Thornton and Art Lambert, Garibaldi was perhaps an even better swimmer holding several state championship crowns. He would eventually matriculate to the University of Utah earning All-American status as a swimmer while introducing water polo to the campus. A 1964 Olympic qualifier in both water polo and swimming, Garibaldi was unable to continue in water polo after being deemed a professional by the AAU for accepting a teaching position post graduation. After nearly two decades away from the game a chance opportunity to compete for the Guam National Team at the 1988 World Masters Aquatics Championships reopened a desire to play polo. Upon returning stateside he was part of a masters water polo squad in El Segundo California under the direction of Bryan Weaver. He and other local players helped Weaver create the first ever USA Water Polo Masters National Championship. From 1988 through 2008 Garibaldi’s teams finished first or second on the national and international level, a remarkable feat. He continued playing water polo throughout it all starting at 30+ all the way into the 60+ age group.  When the 50+ age group started to developed he continued a dominant run that witnessed five first place finishes and one second place mark through 2008. His international experience is equally staggering having claimed medals on a variety of continents over the last three decades. Today he is the founder and host of the Napa Valley Masters Water Polo Tournament and boys’ water polo coach for Napa High School and the North Bay Grizzlies water polo club.

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