NEWS

The 2020 U.S. Open Women’s Polo Championship® came to an end Saturday, February 27, at the International Polo Club Palm Beach (Wellington, Florida), with Hawaii Polo Life claiming the title for the second year in a row. Pamela Flanagan, Mia Cambiaso and Nina Clarkin were looking to add another player to the roster and chose 18-year-old Dolores Onetto. “Dolores is an incredible horsewoman and that's why we wanted her on our team,” Flanagan said. “First and foremost, we wanted a good, solid rider who could keep up, take the man and really get in the game and she did all of that.” Onetto was invited to join the team by Flanagan, a family friend from their summers in Illinois. “It was a very exciting moment when I was asked to be on the team,” Onetto said. “I was flattered to have even been considered.”

For Onetto, this was her first time playing this level of polo. “Playing at the 22-goal level was something very new to me as I have never played at that level of polo, but my teammates were so helpful, especially Nina Clarkin who was coaching me every step of the way,” Onetto shared. “Not to mention the crew we have off the field supporting us was also great. Chris Dawson and the whole Hawaii Polo Life team have been so welcoming! It truly feels like one big family.”

Not only being able to play with a 10-goaler, but having the opportunity to play again for Hawaii Polo Life in 2021 was very meaningful to Onetto. “Being able to represent Hawaii Polo Life has been a dream come true!” Onetto continued. “I want to give a big thank you to Chris and everything he has done to make this win possible! As well as supporting us going into the 2021 U.S. Open Women’s Polo Championship^®.”

Even days after the tournament, Onetto was still taking it all in. “It’s all very surreal to me, I still can’t believe that it has happened!” Onetto exclaimed. “I am so blessed to be able to take to the field with amazing women and players such as Pamela, Nina, and Mia, as well as playing against many other amazing women! Playing alongside them is truly something special.”

Winning the most prestigious tournament in women’s polo in the United States would be a great achievement for anyone. However, doing so at the age of 18 after only starting in polo two years ago is something unique. “This comes as a shock to most,” Onetto shared. “My grandfather Horacio Onetto, my father Horacio and my uncle Marcos all play or have played polo professionally. However I got into polo because I retired from gymnastics and wanted to keep myself active. I always loved horses and I rode on and off over the years, but I never got into it because gymnastics took up most of my free time. I ride, stick and ball or practice every day now or as much as I’m able to.”

Besides the U.S. Open Women’s Polo Championship^®, Onetto had other reasons which helped strengthen her bond with polo. “Most important to me personally, besides the U.S. Open Women’s Polo Championship®, would be playing alongside my father, my younger sister Inez and Alea & Gabriel Crespo in a 6-goal tournament in Aiken, South Carolina,” Onetto said. “It was one of my very first real tournaments and to play with family and friends makes it all the better!”

All photos courtesy of ©David Lominska.