4 minute read
Polo Development
Taking the reins
By Hayley Heatley
Tiger Kneece recently stepped into the role as Junior Polo Committee chair, a position previously held by Chrys Beal. After many years of service to the committee, Beal will now focus her efforts on continuing to grow the National Youth Tournament Series program.
“Chrys Beal has done a phenomenal job laying the foundation for the Junior Polo Committee. Her enthusiasm for youth players has turned the NYTS program into one that kids across the country talk about. I appreciate her support and I am excited to continue to impact our young American players,” said Kneece.
Kneece is a former 7-goal American player who now resides in Aiken, South Carolina’s horse country. During his 25-year tenure as a professional polo player, Kneece won the coveted U.S. Open, Monty Waterbury and Gold, Silver and Copper Cups.
Tiger’s daughter, Summer Kneece was MVP in the 2019 NYTS Girls’ Championship. Incoming Junior Committee Chair Tiger Kneece
His talent on the field led him to playing opportunities across the globe, including in Canada, Mexico, England, Switzerland, Germany, South Africa and Australia. Kneece excels at training polo ponies and hosts a polo school aptly named Polo Adventures. Introducing people to the sport of polo is one of the main focuses of his polo school.
Kneece and his wife, Susie, work in tandem running the Aiken Polo Club, Tiger as polo manager and Susie as director of marketing. Tiger has played an active role in the NYTS program, hosting one of the largest qualifier tournaments each year in Aiken and working as a coach at the NYTS National Championship. His Aiken Youth Polo program has both a girls’ and open high-school team, both a men’s and women’s USC Aiken team and a group of younger players coming up in the ranks.
The Junior Polo Committee will move forward with three focused initiatives: NYTS, the Young Player Opportunity Grant and Junior Player Development.
Beal was instrumental in the development of the NYTS program and has pioneered its growth. Her drive to support young female players led to the addition of the all-girls’ division at NYTS National Championships in 2018. The NYTS subcommittee
has its sights set on expanding the National Championship event in the near future. Despite the challenges of 2020, there continued to be significant participation and enthusiasm from clubs and players. The Oak Brook Polo Club will host the 2021 NYTS National Championship event on its historic downtown Chicago field.
The YPO grant is designed to provide support for young players seeking an opportunity to improve in the sport and play higher-level polo. American players have utilized the YPO Grant to play overseas and within the U.S. The YPO subcommittee, led by Carolyn Stimmel, aims to reopen applications in the near future.
As part of Junior Player Development, Kneece will continue to work on an idea initiated by Beal.
“It has always been my dream to have a Junior Open,” said Beal, “I feel that we are getting close to making it happen.”
Junior Committee Members
Tiger Kneece, chair Bill Kirton Carolyn Stimmel Haley Bryan Brandon Alcott Nick Snow Margie Paur Alan Meeker Chrys Beal
Chrys Beal presents Sophie Grant Best Playing Pony honors for her horse Sydney at the 2019 NYTS Girls’ Championship.
Identifying and capitalizing on training opportunities in Argentina remains at the forefront of the committee’s agenda. Argentina provides many avenues for young players to play at a higher level than they are accustomed to. The height of the season in Argentina coincides with a slower time for polo in the United States. In addition to pursuing training in Argentina, the Junior Committee remains committed to encouraging the development of good horsemanship through existing programs, including I/I, NYTS coaching and YPO. Raising the level of horsemanship of young American players will, in turn, elevate the level of play.
Kneece has looked outside of polo to other equestrian disciplines to see what has been successful in recruiting and retaining participants.
“I believe we need to direct some of our focus on the middle-school-age players. I have found that this is the time when the parents and the kids are still exploring options for what sport to pursue seriously before entering high school,” said Kneece. “You will have hunter jumper or three-day eventer [riders] try polo, but it is difficult to get them to fully commit when they already are invested in another discipline.”
By introducing players to polo at an earlier age, there is a great possibility of them engaging and committing to the sport. Through the various programs offered by the USPA, the Junior Committee hopes to make an impact in growing the USPA membership and elevating the level of young American polo players. •
