Hope Arellano* doesn’t want the roller-coaster to stop. Recent finalist of the Women’s Argentine Open, current U.S. Open Women’s Polo Championship victor and 10-goaler-to-be in December, she’s about to climb one step higher. For the first time in her prolific career, she’ll attempt to win the Countess Lilias Cup for Semper Anticus in the Cirencester Women’s Open.
“I’m very excited! I played there quite a few years ago in the Junior Westchester,” she told CLICKPOLO U.K. “I absolutely loved it when I went and can’t wait to go back.”
Hope Arellano playing for La Irenita in the 2022 Argentine Women’s Open. ©Guadalupe Aizaga
Hope has become one of the brightest personalities in women’s polo around the world. Last December, she made history by leading La Irenita to an improbable win over UAE Polo in the semifinals of the Women’s Argentine Open and coming close to defeating La Dolfina in the final. 2023 began in the best possible way, claiming the U.S. Open Women’s Polo Championship at the National Polo Center- Wellington with La Fe. Following a 2017 triumph with San Saba, Arellano’s second U.S. Open Women’s Polo Championship title featured a team leading six-goals to earn Most Valuable Player. This outstanding performance granted her the coveted 10-goal handicap, becoming only the third active woman to receive such distinction.
Hope Arellano recently won the 2023 U.S. Open Women’s Polo Championship with La Fe. ©David Lominska
Landing in the U.K. was only a matter of time. It comes as no surprise that the opportunity has Semper Anticus’ colors. Entering only their third season of competition, Clarinda Tjia-Dharmadi’s organization sticks true to its ethos of gathering the best women in the world. It’s also no wonder that the Cirencester Women’s Open is the event selected as Arellano’s debut, as it is rapidly becoming the high-goal tournament that attracts elite players.
Hope Arellano was raised to 10 goals after winning the 2023 U.S. Open Women’s Polo Championship. ©David Lominska
What does the U.K. season mean to you?
“As it is very new to me, I’m looking forward to the new experience.”
How did this opportunity come up?
“The organization originally contacted me in Argentina last fall. Since then, we have been trying to make it work. I first met Clarinda in Cañuelas. She is such a kind lady, and I couldn’t be more excited to be playing with her.”
What attracted you to Semper Anticus’ proposal and made you accept the invitation?
“I’ve been wanting to go back to England ever since I left. It was really important for me to be well organized and prepared when I did. Semper Anticus is the perfect organization to do that with. I couldn’t be more excited!”
What do you know about the Cirencester Women’s Open?
“I have heard about it and can’t wait to play it myself! I’m excited because I have played the Argentine Open, U.S. Open, so to be able to go play the Open in England I think will be a very neat experience.”
Hope Arellano will join Semper Anticus to compete in the Cirencester Women’s Open. ©Guadalupe Aizaga
Do you feel pressure after being raised to 10-goals?
“Not at the moment, but I do put pressure on myself all of the time. I try not to think about other things. I have a long way to go and a lot of hard work to go to be playing 10-goals, so I’m just focusing on working hard day by day!”
What are your personal goals for the U.K. season?
“Personally, I want to enjoy the season with a great team and organization, play as well as I can, and hopefully have a great season.”
What are your expectations for the U.K. season playing for Semper Anticus?
“I am very grateful for the opportunity to go play in England. I don’t necessarily have any expectations. I think I am just going to take it game by game, but I am really looking forward to the season with Semper Anticus.”
*Hope Arellano is an Active Team USPA Member. Team USPA is a USPA program designed to enhance and grow the sport of polo in the United States by identifying young, talented American players and providing mentored training and playing opportunities leading to a pool of higher rated amateur and pro players and the resultant giveback to the sport of polo.