NEWS

There are milestones in a polo player's life that mark a before and after in their professional career. For Cory Williams, winning the U.S. Open Women’s Polo Championship during the South Florida winter season with local organization Buena Vibra propelled her to a new dimension. Instead of returning to California as she typically does after playing in Wellington, this time, she traveled to England to compete in the Ladies High Goal Tournament at Guards Polo Club, a tournament she won in her first professional stint in the country.

In a tightly contested final at the prestigious English club located in Windsor, England, Buena Vibra (Giuliana Tarazona, Cory Williams, Mia Cambiaso, Milly Hine) edged out Madams Farm Polo (Aspen Tinto, Zoe Reader, Lottie Lamacraft, Hazel Jackson) 8.5-8. Held for the first time at Guards Polo Club, the Ladies High Goal Tournament is set to become a regular fixture in England's high handicap polo circuit in the future. For Williams, her triumph continues to pave the way for American players in Europe.

Following her victory, Cory finds herself back in California, where she will continue playing at Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club (Carpentaria, California). Her time in England added several miles of professional experience, not just through the victory, but also by providing her the opportunity to compete in a country as demanding and similar in professionalism to the United States; yet so different due to climate, fields and the mental challenges it entails.

Given how difficult it is to succeed in such a competitive sport as polo, achieving victory at the highest levels of American and English polo in the same year is worthy of recognition.

How was your experience playing in England?
“This is my second time playing in England, my first time playing a ladies' tournament and my first time playing at the prestigious Guard’s Polo Club. When I was 15, I traveled with the Polo Training Foundation (PTF) to England with three other American players to play against the youth English and Scottish teams.

However, my most recent experience in England proved itself an unforgettable one, playing on the historic Guards Polo fields with some of the best players in the world. Playing in England made me appreciate the history of polo in the United Kingdom and made me realize what a horse-centric country England is. It was truly an amazing experience.”

What was your reaction when you received the opportunity to play in the Ladies High Goal Tournament at Guards Polo Club?
“I was thrilled to get to play with Buena Vibra again after winning the U.S. Open Women’s Polo Championship. Furthermore, to get to play with Buena Vibra for their first time at Guards in the Ladies high goal felt surreal. Buena Vibra is such a positive, supportive and kind team. I feel very lucky to have this opportunity to play with them in England, which is arguably the epicenter of European polo.”

Can you describe the significance of playing at a prestigious venue like the Guards Polo Club?
“It was unbelievable to watch the Cartier Queen’s Cup Final at Guards Polo Club and then play the final of the Guards High Goal Ladies’ just three weeks later on the same field. Also, my dad is British, so playing in his home country at one of the most prestigious venues in the world was not just important to me, but also a valued shared memory of significance with my dad.”

Have you noticed any similarities or differences between the polo fields and horses in England compared to those in the U.S.?
“The main difference between the fields in the United States and England was how accepting the English fields are of rain. Just before our final, it poured, and then 30 minutes later, the field still played perfectly. As a native Californian, this was interesting for me to see and very different from what I am used to!

In terms of horses, I have been extremely lucky to play amazing horses in both countries. I was mounted by the Hine family for this tournament, and they made sure I was well-mounted. What I noticed and appreciated is that both countries emphasize off-the-track Thoroughbred polo ponies. My favorite horse at home is an OTTB and it was great to see another country encourage the use of native thoroughbreds. I think there were more similarities than differences in terms of horses since both countries love their horses and attract great players from around the world who, in turn, play the best horses.”

How does it feel to be playing with Mia Cambiaso and Milly Hine, both having won the Women's Argentine Open?
“It was an honor to get to play with Milly and Mia. I’ve been on the same field as them a few times, but never all on the same team. They are both so talented and have such awareness of the field and knowledge of the game. I appreciate Milly’s leadership on the polo field. She is an amazing team captain and makes her team play well. I have played against Mia, but this was my first time playing with her and I was so excited to play with a great competitor. Mia is unbelievably skillful and so focused on the game. They are both inspirations of mine and I felt very lucky to play with them.”

What is it like to face top players in the tournament?
"It’s always amazing to play with and against women like Nina Clarkin, Lia Salvo and Hazel Jackson, who all played in this tournament. They all have amazing skills on the field, a passion for the sport, and a desire to see other women succeed. It can be intimidating to be up against such legendary players. I think the main strength of women’s polo is that the best players want to promote the sport and play a good game.”

What does this opportunity to play in England mean for your polo career, especially as an American player?
“This opportunity in England will hopefully put me on the map internationally for my polo career as an American player. I think some of the beauty in polo lies in one’s ability to travel and play all over the world. It opens up so much opportunity to meet people while playing the sport we all love.”

What are your plans now?
“I would love to play in England again after this tournament. Now, I am back home in Santa Barbara, playing the mixed 8-goal with FMB/Folded Hills. From there, I plan on traveling to play for the rest of the year. I am looking forward to my future polo!”

How do you think winning the U.S. Open Women’s Polo has impacted your career and opened new opportunities like this one?
“Winning the U.S. Open Women’s polo Championship in Wellington, Florida, immensely impacted my polo career with the amount of publicity it received and how prestigious of a tournament it is. That win certainly opened new opportunities like this one, and I feel so lucky to play on such amazing teams.”

All photos courtesy of ©Tatiana Frayssinet.