Polo Champion Hope Arellano

By Greg Carannante

When she was growing up in Wellington, the question of what to do with her life wasn’t much of a mystery for Hope Arellano. She knew by the time she was 9 years old.

That’s when she decided she wanted to be a professional polo player like her father, Hall of Famer Julio Arellano. It didn’t take long for her to make good on her aspiration. She competed in her first adult tournament only two years later, launching a precocious career of firsts. At just 14-years-old, she became the youngest player to win the U.S. Open Women’s Polo Championship, holding that record until last year. She also is the youngest American to reach a 10-goal women’s handicap.

Arellano was the first woman to compete for the United States in the XII Federation of International Polo World Polo Championship in 2022, at which the team took home a silver medal. Competing internationally, she is the first American to win the Women’s Argentine Open.

Now 21, the fourth-generation polo player is a global brand ambassador for U.S. Polo Assn., the official brand of the United States Polo Association. In that capacity, she it outfitted in the brand’s double horsemen logo and shares polo-related posts on social media.

Arellano splits her time between family farms in Aiken, S.C., and Wellington, where she is expected to compete in tournaments at the USPA National Polo Center through April. She graciously set down her mallet to field our Quote Unquote questionnaire.

Aside from the weather, what do you enjoy most about South Florida?

South Florida is absolutely beautiful. My favorite part of Wellington is that it has so many equestrian sports. I love going on Saturday nights to the Winter Equestrian Festival to support my show-jumping friends.

Are you a beach person or a pool person?

I would say that I am more of a pool person, although I love being next to the ocean.

When in your life are you or have you been the happiest?

I am the happiest when I’m with my horses and my family.

What music are you listening to now?

I love music. It always varies. I listen to every kind of music.

Are you a fan, and if so, of what?

I’m a fan of tennis and polo and I love to play both. I admire a lot of different athletes though, and I think it is neat to see how different the sport can be, and yet there are so many similarities between great athletes. Of course, I am also a fan of the U.S. Polo Assn. sport-inspired brand that supports polo in the U.S. and around the world.

If you had to choose: Beatles or Stones?

I think both are great. I probably know more Beatles songs though.

What are your social media usernames?

@hope.arellano

Apple or Android?

Apple.

Who is your real-life hero?

My mom is my real-life hero. She is the best mom, and an incredible person. I wouldn’t have the opportunity to do as much as I do if it weren’t for her.

What car are you driving now?

Jeep Wrangler.

If you had to choose: Rocky or Raging Bull?

Rocky.

What do you like most about yourself?

That’s a hard question but maybe my love for animals.

What places in South Florida do you recommend to guests visiting from out-of-town?

The USPA National Polo Center to see some of the best polo in the world at the U.S. Polo Assn. Stadium Field, the World Equestrian Festival for amazing competition, and Peanut Island for its crystal clear waters, nature, and island activities.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

To not stress as much as I do.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

I have been very fortunate to have had many achievements that I’m very grateful for.

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