Bianca Pagano – Argentina and the Rise of Women's Polo
ENPOLO is thrilled to present our latest interview wirh
Bianca Pagano!
This time, we’re excited to introduce Bianca Pagano, a talented 21-year-old polo player from Argentina with a strong 4-goal handicap. Get to know her journey, passion, and what drives her in the world of polo.
ENPOLO: How did you first discover polo, and what drew you to the sport
Bianca : Before discovering polo, I was actually into acting, I used to take classes, castings and even dreamed of becoming an actress. I’ve always loved expressing myself and pushing boundaries, and I think that same energy led me to polo. My dad was into cars and racing, so polo wasn’t part of my family background at all. I started playing at Polo de Fuchi almost by chance, and from the first moment I got on a horse, I just couldn’t stop. Horses completely fascinate me, and the adrenaline, teamwork, and speed of the game made everything click for me right away.
ENPOLO: Can you describe the moment you knew polo would be more than just a hobby?
Bianca : There wasn’t one single moment, it just took over my life in the best way. When I started planning my days around practices and matches, I realized it wasn’t just something I did for fun anymore. It became part of who I am.
ENPOLO: What is your current training routine - both on and off the horse?
Bianca : I start my mornings with a mate. Depending on the day, I either have a practice or a match, so I train at different times, morning or afternoon. I go to the stables every day, and at night I go to university. Off the horse, I focus on staying fit and mentally sharp. I work closely with my sports psychologist, who helps me stay focused and confident, and I also follow a nutrition plan with my nutritionist to make sure I’m fueling my body the right way. It’s all part of giving my best, both physically and mentally.
ENPOLO: Do you have a personal polo philosophy or mindset you play by?
Bianca : Yes, respect the horse, enjoy the game, and never stop learning. I think staying grounded and focused is what helps you grow the most in this sport.
ENPOLO: Who has been your greatest role model in polo - and why?
Bianca : I admire Poroto Cambiaso a lot. I’ve seen his growth from a very young age and it’s incredible how he’s developed, not just his talent, but his understanding of the game, his control, and his maturity on the field.
In women’s polo, Hazel Jackson is definitely someone I look up to. I’ve never had the chance to play with her, but we’ve played against each other, and she’s an incredible rival. She plays with strength and intelligence, and consistently shows grace and professionalism both on and off the field. Beyond her skills, she’s also an amazing person, grounded, kind, and someone who truly elevates the sport.
ENPOLO: Do you prefer playing in women's tournaments or mixed teams? What is the difference for you?
Bianca : I enjoy both. Mixed teams push me to grow, the dynamic changes a lot when you share the field with men, the game becomes faster and more open, which challenges me and helps me improve. I also enjoy women’s tournaments. There's a special connection between teammates that makes it really enjoyable. Each type of game teaches you something different.
ENPOLO: Have you ever felt that polo is still a male-dominated sport? If so, in what ways?
Bianca : Yes, of course. There’s still a lot more visibility and support for men’s polo, but things are changing. More women are showing what they can do, and we’re slowly building our space.
ENPOLO: How has your experience been as a woman in the polo world - on and off the field?
Bianca : It’s been challenging, but I’ve learned so much. You have to prove yourself over and over again, but that makes every win feel more meaningful. And I’ve met amazing women through this sport.
ENPOLO: What is the best advice you have ever received as a player?
Bianca : That consistency is everything. One good or bad match doesn’t define you, what you do every day does.
ENPOLO: Which polo event or tournament has been the most meaningful to you so far - and why?
Bianca : As a private club, definitely Thai Polo. The atmosphere is amazing, the polo is competitive and fun, and the way they organize everything makes it super enjoyable.
At Asociación Argentina de Polo, the Copa Master has been the most important one I’ve played for now. It’s high level, intense, and super entertaining. It’s the kind of tournament that really pushes you as a player.
Also, one of the most meaningful experiences for me was in 2018, when I had the opportunity to represent Argentina during the Youth Olympic Games exhibition matches held in Buenos Aires. Wearing my country’s colors and being part of such a global event was unforgettable and made me realize how far polo could take me.
ENPOLO: What are your short- and long-term goals in your polo career?
Bianca : Short term: keep improving my game, learn from every match, and travel more. Long term: My goal is to become a professional polo player and compete at the highest international level, representing top teams around the world. I want to travel more, grow through new challenges, and constantly improve both individually and as a team player.
ENPOLO: If you could change one thing about the current state of polo, what would it be?
Bianca : If I could change one thing about the current state of polo, I would like to see more involvement and opportunities for women. Increasing the number of high-handicap tournaments during the season would not only raise the level of competition but also encourage more women to pursue the sport seriously and develop their skills at the highest level.
ENPOLO: What do you love most about the polo community?
Bianca : What I love most is that everyone is passionate about horses, not just players, but everyone involved. It’s not just about the game, it’s about the animals, the people, and the shared love for this lifestyle.
ENPOLO: How do you prepare mentally before a big match?
Bianca : Before a match, I always arrive at least an hour early to talk with my teammates and organize my horses. I try to analyze my opponents as much as possible. If I can, I watch them play in other games to help develop effective strategies. I focus on staying calm and visualizing how I want to play to get into the right mindset.
ENPOLO: What would you say to young girls who dream of playing polo one day?
Bianca : Don’t let anyone tell you you can’t. If you love it, go for it. Work hard, believe in yourself, and surround yourself with people who support you.
ENPOLO: Have you ever felt that polo is still a male-dominated sport? If so, in what ways?
Bianca: Yes, of course. There’s still a lot more visibility and support for men’s polo, but things are changing. More women are showing what they can do, and we’re slowly building our space.
ENPOLO: How has your experience been as a woman in the polo world - on and off the field?
Bianca: It’s been challenging, but I’ve learned so much. You have to prove yourself over and over again, but that makes every win feel more meaningful. And I’ve met amazing women through this sport.
ENPOLO: What is the best advice you have ever received as a player?
Bianca: That consistency is everything. One good or bad match doesn’t define you, what you do every day does.
ENPOLO: Which polo event or tournament has been the most meaningful to you so far - and why?
Bianca: As a private club, definitely Thai Polo. The atmosphere is amazing, the polo is competitive and fun, and the way they organize everything makes it super enjoyable.
At Asociación Argentina de Polo, the Copa Master has been the most important one I’ve played for now. It’s high level, intense, and super entertaining. It’s the kind of tournament that really pushes you as a player.
Also, one of the most meaningful experiences for me was in 2018, when I had the opportunity to represent Argentina during the Youth Olympic Games exhibition matches held in Buenos Aires. Wearing my country’s colors and being part of such a global event was unforgettable and made me realize how far polo could take me.
ENPOLO: What are your short- and long-term goals in your polo career?
Bianca: Short term: keep improving my game, learn from every match, and travel more. Long term: My goal is to become a professional polo player and compete at the highest international level, representing top teams around the world. I want to travel more, grow through new challenges, and constantly improve both individually and as a team player.
ENPOLO: If you could change one thing about the current state of polo, what would it be?
Bianca: If I could change one thing about the current state of polo, I would like to see more involvement and opportunities for women. Increasing the number of high-handicap tournaments during the season would not only raise the level of competition but also encourage more women to pursue the sport seriously and develop their skills at the highest level.
ENPOLO: What do you love most about the polo community?
Bianca: What I love most is that everyone is passionate about horses, not just players, but everyone involved. It’s not just about the game, it’s about the animals, the people, and the shared love for this lifestyle.
ENPOLO: How do you prepare mentally before a big match?
Bianca: Before a match, I always arrive at least an hour early to talk with my teammates and organize my horses. I try to analyze my opponents as much as possible. If I can, I watch them play in other games to help develop effective strategies. I focus on staying calm and visualizing how I want to play to get into the right mindset.
ENPOLO: What would you say to young girls who dream of playing polo one day?
Bianca: Don’t let anyone tell you you can’t. If you love it, go for it. Work hard, believe in yourself, and surround yourself with people who support you.
Thank you so much Bianca! We wish you a long Polo career and a happy life!