In Memory Of...
#11 - Kyle McGarity (1977 - 2002 )

  Kyle played for Miami longer than any Men's player in the history of the club. He was active in the club organization as Secretary in 1998 and truly loved the club, and the sport. Kyle was always the teammate who found fun in every situation, and went out of his way to make certain that every teammate had the desire to win. Kyle never lost sight of the fact that everyone played to have fun. Kyle never carried a loss on his shoulder for an extended period of time. His personality was not one to dwell on defeat, but rather work harder to beat them next time.
    He was small, yet feisty, and gave the opponents he defended a very hard time in every situation. He had a good game sense and knew exactly what had to be done in many situations. He was the team's perfect "6th man". Kyle preferred to come off the bench and take on the toughest player on the opposing team. He would go straight for the best player and would either leave his mark or take it in return. If he were scored on, he would step it up to the next level. Even though he was small, Kyle never let his size hold him back.
    On many occasions, Kyle was the practical joker on the team or getting the Coach's hotel room key in an attempt to squirt shaving cream on them at 2 AM, he was always looking for the way to get a laugh. Kyle didn't care if he was the joker or the brunt of the joke; he simply wanted to have fun. He was a great teammate and cared deeply about the program and about the future of Miami Water Polo.
    Even after graduation, Kyle kept in close contact with Coach Reisenfeld, and he wanted to stay up on how our team was doing. Kyle was with the program during the years of growing, and during the season when the Club was ranked as high as 2nd in the Nation. He saw the program through the tough times and the good times, and always brought a high level of excitement to our team.
    In December of 2002, Kyle McGarity was killed in a terrible altercation near his apartment in Manhattan. He was living with his sister Shannon at the time. On his way home from an evening of fun, Kyle tried to step in to aid the girlfriend of a man that had become belligerent. During the altercation, Kyle was thrown into a steam vent manhole cover, which became dislodged, and he fell to his death.
    Miami Water Polo recognizes the accomplishments and achievements of Kyle McGarity by retiring his # 11 and will miss him very much. He was truly the type of player that brought and brings great pride to our program.