The prestigious women’s polo competition returns with a stellar lineup of participants from five strong teams.
In the latest polo news, the United States Polo Association (USPA) hosted the U.S. Open Women’s Polo Championship draw on March 2. Held at the International Polo Club Palm Beach (IPC) in Wellington, Florida, this marks the fourth consecutive year that the club has housed the event.
Starting off the evening, USPA COO & In-House Counsel Chris Green emphasized the importance of women to the USPA. He also mused on the incredible growth of women’s polo as exhibited through the quality competitors assembled for this year’s 22-goal tournament.
Returning to defend their title in 2022, BTA/The Villages are back – as well as two-time (2019 and 2020) champions Hawaii Polo Life and Dundas. Meanwhile, first timers Blue Water and G-String Polo Ponies are looking to hoist the most prestigious cup in women’s polo in the United States on their first attempt. Simultaneously competing in the Gauntlet of Polo on Coca-Cola, G-String Polo Ponies’ Gillian Johnston is the only woman competing in the USPA Gold Cup.
The official draw determined the playing order for the U.S. Open Women’s Polo Championship. Beginning on March 7, preliminary games will be held at Port Mayaca Polo Club. The final is slated March 19 in the U.S. Polo Assn. Field 1 of IPC.
Although falling just short to Hawaii Polo Life in the 2020 final, BTA/The Villages returned for a rematch the following year with a point to prove. They eventually secured their first U.S. Open Women’s Polo Championship trophy in 2021 undefeated.
Alyson Poor will join BTA/The Villages’ lineup this year, while former teammate Kylie Sheehan will compete with newcomer Blue Water. Led by proven high-goal competitor Izzy Parsons, Blue Water features three of the 10 USPA Intercollegiate/Interscholastic alumnae represented. Known for her offensive abilities, Sophie Grant recently advanced to the 14-goal Heritage Cup semifinals.
Looking to inscribe their name on the trophy for a third time, Hawaii Polo Life will take the field once again with 10-goaler Hazel Jackson and new teammate Cecily Coors. Captaining Dundas, Nina Clarkin is the only other 10-goaler represented on the roster. A rising young star in her own right, Hope Arellano recently won the inaugural U.S. Junior Open Test Match in January after a successful 2021 Argentine season.
BTA/The Villages team includes Paige Boone (6), Alyson Poor (4), KC Krueger (6), and Tiffany Busch (6). Meanwhile, Blue Water will have Sophie Grant (5), Kylie Sheehan (5), Izzy Parsons (8), and Meghan Shader Jumet (4).
Dundas will sashay in the tournament with members Jewel Gregoncza (2), Sarah Siegel-Magness (2), Hope Arellano (8), and Nina Clarkin (10). G-String Polo Ponies, on the other hand, has brought together Heather Souto (4), Danielle Lussi (3), Lia Salvo (9), and Gillian Johnston (6).
Finally, Hawaii Polo Life entered the competition with Cecily Coors (0), Pamela Flanagan (4), Mia Cambiaso (8), and Hazel Jackson (10).
For more information on the U.S. Open Women’s Polo Championship including full tournament schedule, history, video highlights, and much more, please visit the U.S. Open Women’s Polo Championship Tournament Detail Page on uspolo.org.
