Modern Luxury Palm Beach: Rising Star Hope Arellano

3/13/2023

By: Kara Franker Pages 40-41

RISING STAR

American polo player Hope Arellano is passionate about family, horses and winning.

A force to be reckoned with on the field, American polo player and U.S. Polo Assn. brand ambassador Hope Arellano (@hopearellano) tips her hat to her family legacy and talks about how she is blazing her own trail in the sport. With a homebase in Wellington, the fourth-generation professional polo player travels the country racking up accolades. She was the youngest women to ever win the Women’s U.S. Open, and she’s been named MVP at a plethora of women’s and mixed tournaments throughout the States.

When did you know you wanted to be a professional polo player?

Growing up in a polo family, I always played with my family. Although by the age of 9 or 10, I decided that I really wanted to dedicate myself to the sport to become a professional player one day!

What is it about the sport that you absolutely love?

My favorite part about the sport are the horses. They have the biggest hearts, allow you to connect with them, and play together on the field. The other amazing thing about polo is that it is very much a family sport, which I find to be unique.

Tell me about your family’s legacy in the sport and how it has inspired you.

I am a fourth-generation polo player. My father was a professional player for many years and now is a coach. My mother also played and now helps me every day to be able to work toward my dream. I have two older brothers who also play professionally. I am extremely fortunate to be able to do what I love with my family.

What as been your most memorable experience on the field so far?

In 2016, my father, two brothers and I played a 12-goal tournament! That tournament will always have a special place in my heart. Just this past November, I was able to play for the USA Team, alongside my brother, with my father as coach, in the final game of the XII Federation of International Polo World Polo Championship, where we won silver in a sudden death overtime face-off with Spain. This was only the second time in the competition’s history that it was held in the United States. I was truly honored to represent the United States and to wear the U.S. Polo Assn. logo for which I am a brand ambassador.

What is the best advice you’ve ever been given?

I have been given a lot of great advice. There is a quote from Kobe Bryant that I have always loved: “The moment you give up is the moment you let someone else win.”

What do you love about competition, especially in Wellington?

The competition in Wellington is very tough; it’s the ‘equestrian capital of the world’ in wintertime! There are just so many incredible horses and players. I enjoy playing here because it challenges you in every game. Wellington is beautiful and has so many equestrian aspects to it.

Tell me about your affiliation with U.S. Polo Assn. and why it’s important to you.

U.S. Polo Assn. is the official brand of the United States Polo Association and is an incredible brand! Not only do I love the classic, American style of the brand, but I love being part of a brand that gives back to the sport that I care so much for. For example, U.S. Polo Assn. sponsors so many of the tournaments I play in by providing jerseys and pro player pants. They also donate regularly to local polo charities, to polo clubs, polo players at college who are the next-generation players and other amazing causes around the world, both polo and non-polo related.