Hope Arellano - blessed!
At ENPOLO, we honor women in polo and enjoy learning about their journeys, experiences, and achievements.
This interview highlights Hope Arellano – professional polo player, athlete, and inspiration!
ENPOLO: Hope, when did you first pick up a mallet and find your passion for polo?
Hope: I grew up in a polo family! So I have been playing polo since I can remember! I started to really get into polo when I was around 9 years old though!
ENPOLO: Does polo run in your family? Were you involved in equestrian sports as a child?
Hope: My father was a professional polo player and my mother also played! So I have been fortunate enough to be in polo my whole life and get to participate in many different equestrian sports growing up. Though nothing compared to polo.
ENPOLO: Who were the people, for you, that made the biggest impact on your development as a player?
Hope: My family has always been my biggest supporters. My mom gives up so much for me to be able to travel with me since I was very young. I think I have been lucky to have been able to play and learn from so many incredible players that I definitely look up to!
ENPOLO: Looking back at your career, is there a particular match that stands out as especially memorable for you?
Hope: My most memorable tournament is getting to win a 12-goal with my dad and two older brothers! It was such a special experience to share the field with my family.
ENPOLO: The mental aspect of polo is so important. How do you handle that challenge?
Hope: I think mental health in any sport is very important! I believe I have been lucky to have a very strong mind and have such a good support system with my family, especially my mom, that helps me always maintain that.
ENPOLO: What is a typical day of training like for you?
Hope: My days all depend on what I am playing in at the moment. Usually I try to train every other day. I ride everyday though.
ENPOLO: Sportswise, who or what inspires you, not just in polo?
Hope: I really look up to the late Kobe Bryant and his outlook on training. Serena Williams is another that I really admire!
ENPOLO: What advice would you offer to young girls who want to play polo?
Hope: If you put your mind to it and work hard! You can achieve anything you set your mind to!
ENPOLO: Are there any milestones that you've achieved in your career that stand out to you?
Hope: I feel very grateful and fortunate to have achieved the things I have this far. But there are many more personal goals that I have yet to accomplish! I’m only 22 years old so hopefully I have some time!
ENPOLO: In what ways do you approach your game to ensure professionalism?
Hope: My horses are my biggest concern! I focus on them and then try to prepare us as team best that I can!
ENPOLO: Playing so much polo, how do you manage the workload and maintain your balance?
Hope: My father always told us growing up that you never work a day in your life if you love what you do. I feel that is how I live everyday!
ENPOLO: Are there any rituals or habits you follow that help you perform at your best?
Hope: I make sure that I am fit and live a healthy lifestyle. I think preparation is key to any success!
ENPOLO: Who do you look up to in the polo world?
Hope: There are so many people that I look up to in the polo world! If I had to choose a couple it would be Facu Pieres as a player, Hilario Ulloa as a player, Nina Clarkin as a woman player to have had three children and still to be at the top of her game for so long is truly admirable, and my father will always be my idol for many reasons! There are so many other great players but those are just a few!
ENPOLO: And finally, what is your favorite thing about polo, Hope? What do you love most?
Hope: My favorite thing about polo are the horses! They give you all their trust and only want to please you. For me we are the lucky ones to be able to work everyday with them!
Thank you so much Hope! We are really blessed to have you in the world of Polo❤️