Dawn Jones stands as a key promoter of women's polo, a growing sector of the sport that continues to break new ground both in the U.S. and globally. Women’s polo is not just about the matches on the field; it represents a movement toward greater inclusivity and empowerment in a traditionally male-dominated sport.
The last few years have seen a remarkable evolution in women’s polo, with an increased focus on skill development, competitive tournaments, and opportunities for women to play at higher levels. Initiatives like leagues and associations dedicated to the women's side of the game have significantly contributed to this growth, with more young players advancing their talents and gaining exposure.
The dynamic progress of women's polo can be seen through platforms like the USPA Polo Network, AAP Live, and others, enabling players to refine their skills through video analysis and global connectivity. Organized tournaments, such as the Women of Wellington League are also instrumental in fostering mentorship and raising the overall standard of the sport. Additionally, the challenges in scheduling and financial accessibility highlight the need for continued support and a more unified global calendar to facilitate greater opportunities.
The role of media in amplifying women's polo cannot be overstated. The partnership between ESPN and Global Polo in producing "Breakaway Women in Polo" brings crucial visibility to the sport, highlighting the achievements and stories of women players and inspiring the next generation to take up the reins. Such programs serve not only to entertain but also to create a broader fan base, attract sponsors, and showcase the spirit, athleticism, and dedication that define women’s polo today. These insights provide a comprehensive look into the journey of women’s polo, the strides it has made, and the opportunities that lie ahead for growth and recognition in the sport.
-Dawn, how would you describe the current state of women's polo both in the U.S. and globally? What significant strides have been made in recent years?
"Women’s polo and women in polo are becoming further solidified through organized tournaments with the top Association, and grassroots membership growth. Whether through clubs, private clinics, or educational institutions, the contrast in a higher percentage of female vs male participation continues to be significant. I’m seeing more younger players developing advanced playing skills reading the whole game in a more sophisticated way through playing opportunities, and watching endless supplies of game videos of their favorite players from the sport in general through private videography, or platforms offered by the Associations like the AAP Live, USPA Polo Network, Polo Line, Chukker TV, and others. All are very beneficial.
In terms of significant strides recently made, I’ve been impressed with the level of improvements in playing skill sets and riding capabilities at every level. I have been particularly intrigued with the influx of women’s leagues similar to leagues established by Melissa Ganzi, Alina Carta, and Cecilia Cochran to the WOW league established by Kylie Sheehan, Maureen Brennan, and Haley Bryan. Especially at the medium goal level where an 8-goal player can share the field with a 2-goal, a 4-goal, and a 1-goal player. The lower goal handicap players learn to be better. It’s an excellent on-ramp to the high-goal tournaments for experience and safety. I observed this in the Women of Wellington league in Florida this last year. This league served as a prime example of the value of higher goal players like Hope Arellano at 10 goals, and Hazel Jackson also at 10 goals supporting and educating their teammates to continue to grow. This year’s 15-goal French Women’s Open is another excellent example of Milly Hine at 8 goals vs Lia Salvo at 8 goals to push their lower goal handicap teammates to improve their games for their team’s benefit. All these higher-goal women players are helping women’s polo grow.
I have also appreciated opportunities offered to capable women players who have improved through hard work, and in the environments listed above to serve as substitutes for sponsors like Jeff Hildebrand, Curtis Pilot, and Ronnie Duke at the 22, 16, and 12 goal mixed handicap. Thankfully, there were women pioneers who achieved success and opened the doors to higher-goal mixed competitions in the past like Claire Tomlinson, Marianela Castagnola, Sunny Hale, Nina Clarkin, and Lia Salvo in what has been considered rare instances, but I’m delighted to see more co-ed playing opportunities presented with higher goal women players like Mia Cambiaso and Kandi Fernandez Araujo whom recently play in an AAP 20 goal tournament with 31 teams participating. Very inspiring. This next year, there may be an opportunity for a high goal handicap woman to join three high goal handicap men to play 34 to 36-goal polo to feature all the players in an event that could generate more public interest. I highly recommend women players strive to play as much co-ed polo as possible too."
-You've been a key promoter of women's polo. What have been the biggest challenges and opportunities you've observed as the sport has evolved?
"I’m grateful for having been part of an ongoing group effort to support and promote women’s polo globally.
I think there are still scheduling challenges that could be improved and continue to encourage a global calendar to be considered by all to create a seamless annual schedule from one region of the world to another to avoid conflicting schedules. Once established, women players could build teams and organize horses well in advance of each tournament. Plus, current women professionals could develop steady working opportunities, and up-and-coming women professionals could count on potential playing opportunities to demonstrate their skills for future engagement.
In terms of observed opportunities, thankfully, several Associations have committed to establishing and maintaining the hosting of higher handicap tournaments in the US, England, Argentina, France, and many other countries. Those associations have also offered incentives to clubs willing to host women’s tournaments at every level to encourage participation and membership growth."
-Where do you see women’s polo heading in the coming years? Do you foresee more international tournaments and increased competition at the highest level?
"I partially addressed this in question 1. To have more competition at the highest level, time and effort will be required. More clubs hosting women’s tournaments can help promote more participation, which could potentially lead to more players being able to play the high goal. The process to get there will take time like anything else of value. Also, if one is not yet a top player, then having some financial means to participate at the higher levels is a reality. To be able to be competitive at the higher level, one must have the best horses possible to compete. Even if your budget is limited, whether it’s your personal funds or a financial grant, I recommend making the effort to play High-Goal tournaments to gain the experience to become a better player."
-Do you believe women's polo is becoming more professionalized?
"Women’s polo is becoming more professionalized through the example of organizations like La Dolfina (Brava), Ellerstina, and UAE Polo, particularly during the early days of the Women’s Argentine Open. Thankfully, these organizations have led the way on approaching the Open to support their teams with the best horses, grooms, trainers, and coaching. They and other organizations have established a template for others to draw from. Not everyone can duplicate precisely these models, but they have set some basic standards that can be met. In addition, the most skilled women players have established themselves as professionals. They work daily to maintain their skills and continue to strive to be better ultimately benefitting the sport in general."
-What role do you think media and brands have played in promoting and supporting the growth of women's polo? How have they contributed to increasing visibility and support for the sport?
"Media and branding are essential to promote and feature the sport, and women in the sport. Polo brand promotion, streaming games, player profiles, social media postings, and published material about women in polo peak interest, and educates the public, ultimately supporting women’s polo. It’s important to capitalize on the recent wave of public attention toward women’s team sports, and generational athletes like Catlin Clark. Media is our best hope of generating interest in women’s polo."
-Recently, the “Breakaway Women in Polo” program was launched on ESPN and Global Polo. How important are such initiatives in nurturing young talent and expanding opportunities for women in the sport?
"The partnership between ESPN, a long-trusted sports news source, and Global Polo, a premiere polo media source, with a focus on women’s polo has partnered to present “Breakaway Women in Polo”. Their collaboration is an invaluable resource to reach a broader audience to educate the public about women in polo. It serves as an inspiration for viewers who are just being introduced to the sport, and for those who are already existing players who wish to be better. The full narrative shares the against-all-odds story with video interviews that capture the spirit of the players, their athleticism, desire to compete, respect for their opponents, and emotional results. There is no better level of production professionalism, and cinematic qualities to feature women in polo. It has the potential to create a new fan base, possible corporate sponsors, and create enthusiasm to support young and up-and-coming talent."
-Are there any challenges that women’s polo still faces today? What further support or changes would you like to see from the polo community and sponsors?
"I’m concerned about how best to cultivate young talent. Several very promising young women players have notable abilities but lack the financial means to grow further or invest in better horses. Some financial support programs do exist but need additional assistance to meet the needs of these players to reach their full potential. I’m not familiar with the process to determine who is most deserving of assistance but I believe the investment would result in a tenfold return to sustain the sport further with additional membership at the club levels and inspire sponsors to engage these gifted individuals domestically and internationally."
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