NEWS

The Mid-Continent Women’s Polo Tournament Series is an annual series of women’s polo tournaments spanning multiple clubs and states. In 2021, 10 events are scheduled across five states including Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Arkansas and Colorado. Though spring rains cancelled some of the events, Tulsa Polo Club (Bixby, Oklahoma) was able to play the Great Plains Circuit Women’s Challenge June 12-13, 2021.

This was the second year of the revitalized women’s polo tournament in Tulsa with Kelly Coldiron at the organizational helm. Historically, women’s polo was thriving in the Tulsa area in the late 70s and early 80s with teams and players coming from as far as California, Wyoming and New York to compete.

In 2021, six teams made it to the fields at Mohawk Park in Tulsa, Oklahoma, for the event: Four Horsemen (Kitana St-Cyr, Michelle LaVasque, Kerstie Allen, Verity Cameron), Freddy’s (Karson Bizzell, Dani Gibson, Raeann Magill, Matille Drury), NWA (Susan Koehler, Nadia Taylor, Kim Mayer, Ann Heidemann), Tulsa Polo Club (Megan Flynn, Karen Summers, Tori Summers, Sarah Morelli), CCC Ranch (Kelly Coldiron, Maleigha Cook, Sarah Powers, Calyste Hanks), and Roxy’s Foxies (Roxy Keyfauver, Phoebe Zhou, Angie Bailey, Belle Cato, Rachel Hanson).

"Playing in the Great Plains Circuit Women's Challenge last year was such a catalyst for my playing ability and self-confidence,” CCC Ranch’s Maleigha Cook shared. “Returning to the tournament for a second year made me realize just how many connections I made last year. It was so exciting to see everyone again and play some great polo! If you are looking for a venue to get started playing tournaments, boost your confidence, learn and meet wonderful women, then this is the tournament for you!" she exclaimed.

“Playing in this tournament was a great opportunity to compete with other players in the region and learn from higher-rated female players who I don’t typically get to play with,” LaVasque said. “I had a wonderful time and look forward to more women’s tournaments in the 2021 season.”

After Saturday’s games, Freddy’s and Tulsa Polo Club qualified for the final. In a hard-fought match with minimal fouls and a lot of defense, Tulsa Polo Club claimed the narrow win by a half goal. Dani Gibson received the Sportsmanship Award Megan Flynn was named Most Valuable Player. “This was my second year playing in the Tulsa Women’s tournament,” Flynn said. “I went specifically to make some new connections and with ladies coming from numerous different polo clubs, I was able to do just that. Winning was just a bonus, I was lucky enough to have the most positive, hard-working teammates which made it fun for me. Tulsa always puts on a lovely event and I will be back next year.”

“Playing with Dani [Gibson], Matille [Drury] and Karson [Bizzell] was such a pleasure,” Magill continued. “I loved our team and took on the role of captain, which for me was so rewarding. I love any opportunity to help coach, especially with players who are still learning the game. Although we had never played together before, we made a quick connection.”

In addition to the tournament, Tulsa Polo Club also hosted a USPA Umpires LLC umpire clinic with Eastern Regional Umpire Director Dana Fortugno and Ronnie Hayes, which many of the players participated in.

In the Mid-Continent Women’s Polo Tournament Series individuals gain points toward end of year awards by participating in these tournaments. Points are based on the amount of teams and the team’s finish in the tournament with additional points for Most Valuable Player and Sportsmanship winners. Catena USA is the high-point individual sponsor with a gorgeous Swiss-made watch awarded to the winner. Additional prizes go to second, third and fourth place high-point players at the end of the year. Contact the host club to enter. You can follow the Series on Facebook and Instagram.

Dallas Polo Club (Red Oak, Texas) July 17/ Outdoor/ 0-6 Goal
OKC Polo Club (Jones, Oklahoma) Dates TBD/ Outdoor and Arena/ Goal Level TBD
NWA Polo Club (Gravette, Arkansas) August 13-15/ Stadium Arena/ Goal Level TBD
Denver Polo Club (Littleton, Colorado) August 26-29/ Outdoor/ Multiple Levels
Fairfield Polo (Haysville, Kansas) September 10-12/ Outdoor and Arena/ Multiple Levels
Texas Military Polo / Central Texas Polo Association (Poteet, Texas) October 16-17/ Arena/ 7-10 Goal
Legends Polo Club (Kaufman, Texas) Dates TBD/ Arena/ Goal Level TBD
Houston Polo Club (Houston, Texas) November 9 - 14/ Outdoor/ Multiple Levels/ Texas Women's Open (16-20 Goal) & US Open Women's Handicap (8-12 Goal)

All Photos courtesy of ©Tequila Sunsets Photography.