17 Questions is a feature series where we introduce different women polo players around the world. In this feature, we talked to a promising young polo star and 4-goaler Summer Kneece.
1. Since when are you interested in horses?
“I was four years old.”
2. How did you get into polo?
“My dad was a professional polo player.”
3. Who is your first coach?
“My dad, Tiger Kneece.”
4. Who are your heroes on the field?
“My dad!”
5. What’s the best training tip you’ve ever received?
“One of the best tips I’ve ever received for riding is to use your legs. Another tip I received for playing polo is to always take the man out before you go to the ball.”
6. How do you bond with your horse?
“I feed them everyday and I take care of all of them, so I have built a connection with each one of them.”
7. Best horse care tip?
“Stay on top of grooming your horse. You have to stay on top of feeding them, especially if you have a hard keeper.”
8. Who is your polo bestfriend?
“Chris Veitch.”
9. Which position do you love playing the most in and why?
“I like playing back—usually #4—because I like sitting out of the throw-in and getting my teammates the passes.”
10. What is more important in a team: trust or communication? Why?
“Both trust and communication are very important, but communication is the most important. Your teammates can always tell you what’s happening on the field behind you. And when your teammates talk to you and tell you to take your time, it is very helpful. It usually helps create more opportunities for the team and to score.”
11. What’s your ultimate must-have when playing?
“I have to have my mouthguard. I feel very safe when I have it on for multiple safety reasons.”
12. Would you rather play mixed or women’s polo? Why?
“I would rather play mixed polo, although I do not play back for mixed. I usually play #1 and go up for passes. But when I play women’s polo, I usually play #4.”
13. For you, what makes polo the best sport?
“The horses and the competitiveness. You can be improving in polo all the time. But my bond with my horses makes me love this sport the most.”
14. What’s your best win throughout your career?
“I have won several major tournaments, but the biggest has to be the Texas Women’s Open.”
15. What’s the worst polo misconception you’ve ever heard of?
“I’ve heard people say that it is not a very hard sport for the riders. The horse does most of the work, but you have to be able to ride in order to play polo. It takes many hours of practice and riding experience to be able to play polo.”
16. If you could live the life of one polo player for a day, who would it be and why?
“I’d like to live the life of Poroto Cambiaso. He plays professionally with his dad and gets to travel to very cool places like England and Argentina.”
17. Complete the sentence: “I am a ____ polo player.”
“I am a fun polo player. No matter if the game is a winning or losing one, I want to make sure my teammates and I are having fun. That’s what it is all about.”
