AN AMERICAN’S TRIUMPH IN THE U.S. OPEN WOMEN’S POLO CHAMPIONSHIP - AN ARTICLE BY CLICKPOLOUSA
03/12/2024
In a nail-biting finale, Buena Vibra triumphed over 90210 Polo to secure the 2024 U.S. Open Women's Polo Championship, the premier women's tournament in the United States. Hailing from Santa Barbara, California, Cory Williams put American women’s polo on the map alongside her fellow American, Valentina Tarazona, with the support of English player Milly Hine and Argentine Clara Cassino.
“I think women’s polo continues to improve every year in the United States. We are lucky to have strong advocates for women’s polo in the U.S. who push every year for excellence and continued advancement.” – Cory Williams
Williams, alongside Valentina Tarazona, who brings her rich Colombian-American heritage to the game, has played a crucial role in demonstrating the strength and potential of women's polo in the United States. Their hard-fought match against 90210 Polo, culminating in a 13-11 victory for Buena Vibra, showcased the competitive spirit of the game. This championship match, held at the National Polo Center (NPC) in Wellington, Florida, was a clear signal of the rising stature of American women in the sport.
Williams' path to this championship—from her early days falling in love with polo in Santa Barbara to this significant victory—narrates a story of dedication, resilience and passion for the sport.
How do you feel about winning the U.S. Open Women's Polo Championship?
“I feel unbelievably grateful to be one of the names amongst legendary names that have won this title. I am ecstatic about this win and feel so lucky that I got to play in the U.S. Open Women's Polo Championship with such a great team. It feels amazing!”
“We went back and forth in scoring it really could’ve been anyone’s game the entire time. We knew we had to be strong on our marks and one step ahead of the other team. In the end, I think our team chemistry prevailed and that helped us secure the victory.” – Cory Williams on the U.S. Open Women's Polo Championship final
What can you tell us about the final?
“The final was a hard-fought match. We went back and forth in scoring it really could’ve been anyone’s game the entire time. We knew we had to be strong on our marks and one step ahead of the other team. In the end, I think our team chemistry prevailed and that helped us secure the victory."
Do you think this title will affect your polo career in any way?
“This title will certainly affect my polo career since it is a prestigious win to add to my resume. I hope it will open up additional opportunities for the future.”
How was this year's U.S. Open team put together?
“The Tarazona family did an amazing job putting this team together to make Valentina “Tita” Tarazona’s dream of playing in the U.S. Open Women’s Polo Championship come true. Her sister, Giuliana, spearheaded the efforts in organizing the team and selecting the players. I had played with Milly Hine and Clara Cassino earlier in the year in two separate tournaments at La Herradura [Polo Club LLC] in Santa Ynez, California. There, we found we worked very well as a team. I am very grateful for the opportunity to play with the Buena Vibra team, be a part of their amazing organization and feel the warmth of being a part of their extended polo family.”
Have you competed in the U.S. Open Women’s Polo Championship before this year?
“This was my first time competing in the U.S. Open Women’s Polo Championship. It has been amazing. Competing in this prestigious tournament has always been a dream of mine. I can say with certainty that playing with Buena Vibra in this tournament has lived up to and, honestly, far exceeded all expectations I had coming in.”
Can you share with us how you were first introduced to polo?
“I am originally from Santa Barbara, California. I was introduced to polo through the Polo Training Center, Santa Barbara [California] when it was run by Geannie Holden Sheller and Mike Sheller. I took my first polo lesson with the legendary Sunny Hale when I was 13. I played interscholastic polo with John Westley in Santa Barbara and then played with Megan Judge at Central Coast Polo Club [Los Osos, California]. The main thing that drew me to polo was the horses. I always loved horses and I felt drawn to this unique sport through the partnership that the players have with the animals.”
Does your family have a history in the sport?
“My family does not have a history in polo or a background in horses at all. However, they have been immensely supportive of my passion for polo. My dad will do everything in his power to never miss a game. Even though he cannot tell my horses apart on his own, he will ask for my list beforehand so he knows who I am playing and how they perform.”
“I took my first polo lesson with the legendary Sunny Hale when I was 13. I played interscholastic polo with John Westley in Santa Barbara and then played with Megan Judge at Central Coast Polo Club [Los Osos, California].” – Cory Williams on her early days in the sport
Where did you start playing polo, and what were some of the first significant milestones?
“I started playing polo at the Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club [Carpinteria, California] in the coaching league in 2014. I have four main milestones from my early polo career as a junior player. The first being playing the Santa Barbara Women’s 12-Goal Invitational with Melanja Jones, Hayley Heatley and Sheryl Sick in 2016. I was rated 0 in women’s handicap, and it was my first ever women’s tournament!
My second big milestone was playing in the USPA Interscholastic Girls Nationals in the arena at the University of Virginia in 2017 with coach Megan Judge. My third milestone was winning the NYTS Girls Championship in 2018 and being awarded MVP in the final. My fourth milestone was being awarded the 2018 Polo Training Foundation (PTF) Interscholastic Player of the Year. Since there have been many additional tournaments and crucial moments, but these four truly shaped my early polo career and inspired me for the future.”
“My dad will do everything in his power to never miss a game. Even though he cannot tell my horses apart on his own, he will ask for my list beforehand so he knows who I am playing and how they perform.” – Cory Williams on the support of her father.
What are your goals for the future?
“I would love to play as much polo as I possibly can. I would love to travel and play wherever I can, specifically for women’s tournaments. Like all players, it is a goal of mine to continue improving so I can be an asset to the teams that I am fortunate enough to play for.”
How do you perceive the current state of women's polo in the U.S.?
“I think women’s polo continues to improve every year in the United States. We are lucky to have strong advocates for women’s polo in the U.S. who push every year for excellence and continued advancement. I think women’s polo truly has a bright future in the United States.”
How does your season continue?
“I am back in California now; I am playing in the two-goal and the Women’s League at Eldorado Polo Club [Indio, California]. I hopefully will head to Santa Ynez for more women’s polo at La Herradura Polo Club, then New Orleans [Louisiana] to play the 2-goal, then Santa Barbara to play! There are lots of good things ahead.”