Both Matt Yonally and Dominique Mielle took up polo as adults. Learning to ride and swing a mallet while chasing a ball has a steep learning curve, but the exhilaration that comes from galloping into competitive league play is unmatched for these successful finance professionals.
MATT YONALLY An Ohio native, Matt Yonally is an avid traveler, skier, golfer, and all-around athlete. He is a 37-year veteran of Wall Street who lives in Santa Barbara and Paris with his wife and son. Having always enjoyed polo from the sidelines, Matt took the leap into playing 20 years ago and he’s not looking back, unless of course, it’s for a pass upfield! WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO GET INTO POLO? I was entertaining friends at the club about 20 years ago and commented to my wife that it looked like fun. Later that year she bought me three polo lessons with John Westley for my birthday! I’ve been blessed to be playing ever since, whether it be in the U.S., France, Uruguay, or Argentina. I played mostly arena polo until about five years ago. Melanja Jones encouraged me to play in the pro pool and low goal tournaments and that’s really where it took off. WHAT ASPECT OF THE SPORT DO YOU VALUE MOST? Of all the sports I’ve played, it’s the most exhilarating, challenging, fast, and fun! I really love to play, it is what I would choose to do on any given day. WHO HAS HAD THE MOST INFLUENCE ON YOUR POLO EXPERIENCE? John Westley taught me the basics of the game, and since then, Maco Llambias and Santi Wulff have been amazing in coaching me, helping me improve my game, and progress. Maco’s also been vital in helping me build and manage my string. WHAT DO YOU MOST ENJOY ABOUT SBPRC? The friends I have made in the last 20 years – SBPRC is professionally managed, and it has great fields and great people. Melanja Jones has been a huge influence, always trying to put me together with tournaments and players to maximize fun and my ability. WHAT ARE YOUR POLO GOALS AND ASPIRATIONS? I don’t really have an ultimate goal. I would like to just keep playing and improving. I’m happiest when I’ve taken a step up to the next level. Plateauing is a disappointment. I’m always challenged to be a better player, a better horseman, and a better decision-maker on the field. Any improvement is satisfying. ANY ADVICE FOR PEOPLE LOOKING TO GET INTO THE SPORT LATER IN LIFE? We’re incredibly fortunate to have polo of all levels in Santa Barbara - get out there and try it! It’s much more accessible than most people think! Matt will play in the 8 Goal league this spring and summer. This fall, he plans to play polo in Paris, France, and over the winter months he enjoys playing at Eldorado Polo Club in Indio, California.
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