Eldorado’s Leading Lady: Susan Stovall

Eldorado’s Leading Lady

Susan Stovall, 1945-2022

With the passing of Eldorado’s leading lady, Susan Stovall, many players, sponsors, and friends have voiced their admiration of her inspiring 26-year career as Eldorado’s first woman polo manager. But there was so much more to Susan Stovall than her work. Through some of the memories of just a few of those closest to her (please note she had a lot of friends!), we get a glimpse behind this leading lady’s career as polo manager, and we celebrate the simply fantastic human being that she was.

When I moved down to the desert to take over management of Eldorado, I soon realized that I needed help. I talked Susan Stovall into coming down from Spokane to help manage the club, and 26 years later she was still here!

Susan and I shared so many great memories – huge tournaments and events, princes and princesses, U.S. Opens, and everything in between. We worked really hard together at Eldorado and then we played hard also! One of the best recollections I have is of the wild party we had for her 50th birthday party at the Clubhouse. But my most important memory of Susan is of her friendship, energy, and enthusiasm, which were matched only by her dedication to the sport itself.

– Alex Jacoy

Susan was an incredible person of the highest quality. She could pick up the phone to call someone on the other side of the world, and get a deal done, just like that. She had quality relationships with people because they respected her. I remember when Susan got Major Ronald Ferguson to come play at White Swan, for a polo fundraising event for the local college – no one else could have done that! That was the strength of Susan’s relationships with people. I’ll miss her great stories and friendship. She meant every word she said. And that is a rare and amazing quality that she possessed.

– George Dill

Susan and I played together for 10 fabulous years and we traveled the world competing in tournaments. Everywhere we played, Susan encouraged people to visit Eldorado. We played against the Princess of Brunei in a women’s tournament at Ascot, and Susan convinced the Princess to bring her team and entourage to Eldorado. Susan and I also made polo history with an allwomen’s team beating 15 mixed teams in 4-Goal league play.

Susan was the best ambassador of polo. She worked tirelessly for the sport. She deserves all the credit for her work and accomplishments. As Ambassador Glen Holden says, “She should be first in line to receive The Philip Iglehart Award from the Museum of Polo’s Hall of Fame.”

– Karlene Garber

Susan was the ultimate life enthusiast. She was self confident, funny, and always genuinely interested in others. One of my fondest memories was on one of our many international trips, to Palermo Field #1 in Argentina along with Kate Weber, Kristy Outhier, and the late great Sunny Hale. It was an unforgettable experience, and of course Susan organized and captained the entire event.

Susan was an irreplaceable friend, and a polo legend respected by everyone who was lucky enough to know her. I will miss her intently listening to my stories of frustration and then looking me dead in the eye and telling me: “You’ll be fine.” I always trusted her when she told me these words, and she was always right.

– Malia McCoy

When I first got into polo, there were very few women competing. Susan’s advice to me was “just be quiet out there, even if it hurts.” Turns out, there were quite a few games that hurt. But I was stronger for not complaining; Susan’s advice served me well throughout my career.

During a tragic time in my life, following the passing of my youngest son Nick, Susan stepped in. She understood my family’s loss and invited me (a.k.a. told me) to come to Costa Carayes Polo Club in Mexico, where she was Manager. I spent several subsequent seasons with her in Mexico, and she introduced me to the most wonderful people, including the Falk family. I can honestly say that Susan saved my life – she was there for me when I didn’t know how or what I could possibly do next.

So much polo happened because of Susan. But beyond her skills as the ultimate polo manager, Susan was the ultimate friend.

– Julie Roenisch

I always say Susan wasn’t a mere mortal but a “force of nature.” She took any setbacks in stride, had no time for self-pity, and always carried on. With Susan it wasn’t yes or no, but simply how. She really could accomplish anything you put to her.

Susan was very adventurous, had a no-nonsense attitude, and didn’t mince words, which I considered to be part of her charm. She gave my husband Fergus his start in professional umpiring in St. Tropez and taught me a lot about being a strong woman in polo and standing your ground. She was a great role model for anyone – man or woman.

Countless times I’ve been fieldside or at a restaurant with Susan in what I would call her “happy place” – a glass of rosé in her hand, surrounded by handsome polo players, a glint in her eye as she put together a team or a tournament, with a broad smile across her face. That is how I’ll remember her best.

– Lacey Winterton