Take Your Mark
Sometimes timing is everything. During my freshman year, I began working as an athletic photographer for Florida Southern College—the same year Australian-born Kyle Micallef began swimming for the Mocassins. I love the intensity and devotion and camraderie of athletics, and over the course of four years, I had the privilege of chronicling the success of the FSC swimming program, including Kyle who was on a mission to win an NCAA Division II national championship. Look back at the journey that was, and experience Kyle’s college career through a small portion of the thousands of moments I captured along the way.
Freshman year, the start of a new era for Kyle—and unexpectedly, the entire globe. Masks were mandatory, even on deck, symbolizing the challenges and adjustments of competing during a pandemic.
Kyle dives off the blocks at the start of a race, and in this moment, he’s already showcasing his speed. His hands are the first to break the water’s surface, and he’s the furthest from the block when doing so—a testament to his natural talent since day one.
During his sophomore year, Kyle injured his foot diving off the block at the start of a race. Despite the pain, he pushed through and won the race, a testament to his unwavering dedication to winning. However, the injury left him sidelined for a large portion of that season. Even though he couldn’t compete, Kyle continued to support his team, showing that setbacks don’t stop his commitment to the sport.
Kyle stands shirtless at an FSC volleyball game, showing support for his fellow Moccasins. With an ‘S’ written across his chest to represent the water moccasin mascot, he raises a finger in the air after our team blocks a spike. This was a fun photo to take; the swim team was always one of the most supportive groups at other sporting events during my time at FSC, and they never failed to make games more memorable. Kyle’s energy here shows they didn’t come to mess around, and he was ready to back up his teammates in every way.
During a practice session, Kyle pulls ahead of his teammates, a reminder of his constant drive to push himself. Even in the midst of training, he’s always striving to be the best, showing that hard work and dedication never take a break. Kyle is always challenging himself to go faster, even when the race isn’t on the line.
As Kyle begins his junior year, he stands at the pool’s edge, gazing into the water. In this quiet moment, it’s as if he’s contemplating what lies ahead—wondering how far he can push himself over the next two years. The uncertainty of the future is clear, but so is his determination to make the most of every opportunity and take his swimming career to new heights.
Still in the water, Kyle extends his hand to a teammate who leans down to shake it after they win a relay during a regular season meet. As team captain during his senior year, Kyle’s leadership was on full display. This moment captures both the victory and the mutual respect between teammates, symbolizing his role in guiding the team to success.
At the 2023 Sunshine State Conference Championships, Kyle took home a medal in six races; two individually and four relays. This podium finish was in the 400 Medley Relay, with teammates Cameron Lai-Harris, Matteo Zampese and Brandon Wilson.
As Kyle walks out before the 2024 Sunshine State Conference meet, his confidence is unmistakable. With his head held high, there’s no need for headphones to keep him in the zone—his energy is enough to fuel him. It’s a moment where his leadership, confidence, and even a bit of ego are on full display, setting the tone for what’s to come.
On deck after another relay win, Kyle stands with his arms outstretched, soaking in the glory of their victory. This shot captures the culmination of years of hard work, showing a swimmer who knows how to perform—and celebrate—when it counts.
As Kyle stands on the block at the 2024 NCAA Championships in Geneva, Ohio, his expression while waiting for the relay exchange is almost emotionless—a clear sign of his unwavering focus. This is the moment where he’s fully locked in, ready to give everything he has for his team. At the most prestigious meet of the season, his seriousness speaks to the level of intensity and commitment required to compete at this elite level. And then, in a split second, he’s off the block, ready to leave the competition in his wake.
Kyle’s season culminated with a NCAA Division II championship in the 50 Freestyle with a school record time of 19.28 seconds. Kyle stands proudly with teammates Allie Brinton and Ludwig Mueller, along with coach Andy Robins. This moment marks the perfect conclusion to an incredible career at FSC. During his time as a Moccasin, Kyle helped secure a conference championship, earned a national title, and was one of only three swimmers of the 2024 class—along with Allie and Ludwig—to attend nationals all four years. It’s a testament to not just Kyle’s hard work and determination, but to the incredible bond between an athlete and coach, and the legacy of success they built together.
The top of the podium at the national championship meet was not the end for Kyle.
He went on to represent Malta in the 2024 Olympics, finishing 41st in the world in the Men’s 50m Freestyle. He is seen here with former Mocs teammate Ludovico Viberti who represented Italy at the Games.
Kyle now swims for the Univerity of Alabama where he is working to earn a Master’s degree in accounting.