As USPA Pacific Northwest Circuit Governor, Sheryl Sick oversees one of the largest and most geographically diverse regions in American polo, spanning from Western Canada through Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana and Wyoming. The circuit is home to clubs like Big Horn (Sheridan, Wyoming), Calgary (Okotoks, Alberta), Jackson Hole (Jackson, Wyoming), university programs in Montana (Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana), Oregon (Oregon State University Polo Club, Corvallis, Oregon) and Idaho (University of Idaho Polo Team, Moscow, Idaho). Along with a growing number of emerging clubs driven by grassroots energy and community support.
What sets the Pacific Northwest apart is its spirit: a mix of rugged independence, close-knit camaraderie and a genuine love for the sport. Players often travel hundreds of miles between clubs, not just to compete, but to build connections and grow polo as a regional ecosystem.
Now, Sick steps into an additional role as Chair of the USPA Communications Division Advisory Committee, bringing her circuit-level experience to a broader platform. In this interview, she reflects on the challenges of club sustainability, the opportunities for engagement across age groups and regions and why collaboration, not just competition, will shape the next chapter of American polo.
Sheryl, congratulations on your new appointment as Chair of the USPA Communications Division Advisory Committee. What does this new role mean to you?
“Thank you! We are just getting started! I am very excited, as we have put together a very talented group of individuals with great ideas and perspectives from across the country. The USPA Communications [Committee] is made up of 100% volunteers who all have professional lives outside of the polo community. Backgrounds that span marketing, finance, media, sponsorship and communications expertise. We are excited to work with the USPA Board of Governors and staff as the organization and technology in this space continue to evolve.”
What are your top priorities or goals for the committee moving forward?
“Ultimately, we will work to assist the USPA in executing new ideas around a strategic mission. The organization is different from what it was 10 years ago. A top priority is to expand awareness of the sport and utilize technology platforms and partners strategically with KPIs (key performance indicators) to ensure that what we are investing in allows us to grow and hit the right targets. Solid communications is great, but we are only one piece of the puzzle. We are a unique community. There are a lot of sports and activities that people can tap into these days and use their money. Why polo?
A goal is to help the greater polo community enhance their traditional grassroots efforts that we know work, when done well and tie in targeted messaging and campaigns that encourage people of any age to kick off their polo journey.”
Sheryl Sick was introduced to polo while studying Communications at Washington State University, playing her first matches in Spokane and spending summers learning the sport under the guidance of generous mentors. ©Mary Kate Adams
How did you first discover polo, and where did you play your first polo matches?
“I was introduced to polo during my time at Washington State University. I was studying Communications there. I played my first arena matches there and my first outdoor at the Spokane Polo Club [Spokane, Washington]. Spent my summers grooming and playing for some great patrons who took me under their wing. I was lucky and I had some truly selfless mentors to start my polo journey with.”
What clubs have you called home throughout your polo career?
“I am fortunate to have been a member over the years at Spokane Polo Club, Arizona Polo Club [Casa Grande, Arizona], St. Louis Polo Club [Huntleigh, Missouri] and Seattle Polo Club [Enumclaw, Washington]. My technology career took me all over the country and every one of these clubs has a special place in my heart. I am not one to sit still for more than a couple of weeks, so I travel to as many clubs as I can during the summer season with my horses and my dog, Cheeto. I love new experiences, the journey itself and getting to know players and their stories is priceless. Keeps life fresh!”
Are there any past or present tournaments that hold a special place in your heart, either for the level of competition or the memories they created?
“Every tournament is unique, never the same and that is the beauty of it. I have great memories from many! Winning Don King Days at Big Horn Polo Club on their 35th Anniversary year was special. I had an opportunity to play in this three times on various teams, always made it to the finals three times; however, finally, the third time was the charm! My father joined me on the 16-hour road trip adventure and that is a memory I will cherish forever. Last year, surrounded by my favorite Jamaicans, we won the 100+ year old 8-Goal Jamaican Open – “Willie DeLisser Cup.” It was a blast, a real battle and I loved every second of it. The Canadian clubs also put on some great events and their hospitality is unmatched.”
International Arena Challenge Cup Sportsmanship Award recipient Benito Jaramillo, presented by Pacific Northwest Circuit Governor Sheryl Sick. ©Kaile Roos
The Pacific Northwest Circuit (PNW) covers a vast and diverse area; can you tell us which clubs are part of the circuit today?
“Absolutely, geographic-wise, it is vast! I call it a true circuit. Many players travel the region and support each other’s club tournaments. We have a handful of private fields too. The PNW Circuit spans across Western Canada, Washington State, Oregon, Idaho, Montana and Wyoming.”
Washington
Spokane Polo Club, Spokane, Washington
La Conner Polo Club, La Conner, Washington
Seattle Polo Club, Enumclaw, Washington
Oregon
Rose City Polo, Molalla, Oregon
La Grande Polo Club, La Grande, Oregon
Bend Polo Club, Bend, Oregon
Oregon State University Polo Club, Corvallis, Oregon
Idaho
University of Idaho Polo Team, Moscow, Idaho
Montana
Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana
Wyoming
Big Horn Polo, Sheridan, Wyoming
Flying H Polo, Big Horn, Wyoming
Jackson Hole Polo Club, Jackson, Wyoming
Canada
Calgary Polo Club, Okotoks, Alberta
Black Diamond Polo, Millarville, Alberta
Vancouver Polo Club, Delta, British Columbia
Okanagan Polo Club, Kelowna, British Columbia
“This sport, there is nothing like it. Whether you are at a small club or a large one, we exude a wild west spirit!” – Sheryl Sick
As Pacific Northwest Circuit Governor, are there any clubs that have shown remarkable growth in recent years?
“As far as sheer number of players, Big Horn, Calgary, Jackson Hole, have a long history of established infrastructure, multiple fields, robust facilities and very structured polo school programs year after year. This allows them to grow naturally. Smaller clubs have the infrastructure, but resources are often constrained, so they have to get creative, and they all do. Vancouver Polo Club [Delta, British Columbia] is an example of one that grew remarkably from the ground up in the last 10 years. Their membership was small but exuded new, unfiltered excitement. They hosted a Learn to Play Polo Wine/Cheese event for YPO groups (Young Presidents’ Organization) and started a charity polo event near the city annually. This helped kick off growth and grew organically.”
How would you describe the spirit or culture of polo in your region?
“Never a dull moment, but that’s the nature of polo! I have had an opportunity to travel all over the U.S. and the world to play. I have found the culture is similar everywhere you go. It’s a family (by blood and by choice), it’s competitive, it’s breaking bread and being around passionate people and their horses. This sport, there is nothing like it. Whether you are at a small club or a large one, we exude a wild west spirit!”
“Growing and maintaining a sustainable polo club is not easy. It takes blood, sweat, tears, and a village.” – Sheryl Sick
Sick, oversees one of the largest and most geographically diverse regions in American polo. ©Richard Schmon
What are the biggest challenges and opportunities facing clubs in your region today?
“I try not to sugarcoat things. Growing and maintaining a sustainable polo club is not easy. It takes blood, sweat and tears, and a village. I always say most people typically have a tiny crazy chip in their body to play and work in this sport. You put all of those people in a room together and it can be a challenge to have everyone on the same page, see eye to eye and collaborate for the betterment of the sport. You have a [team owner]-backed discretionary income sport where professionals are working to make a living in. That is a delicate thing to balance and maintain for future growth.”
“We have to not only attract new players but also keep them engaged.” – Sheryl Sick
What’s your long-term vision for polo in your circuit and across the USPA?
“My volunteer work to help grow polo is not altruistic. I simply never wanted to be the only person out on the field. We have to get creative and find new ways to not only attract new players but also keep them engaged in the sport, long term. There are multiple areas to target. Youth polo programs and building curated experiences for new [team owners], will absolutely help feed the future.
Women are the fastest growing demographic in polo and hosting women’s leagues and tournaments is a great way to bolster growth. Finding creative ways to keep collegiate players who have graduated and are building their corporate careers, engaged in the sport. I encourage clubs to focus on corporate sponsorship efforts to help fund opportunities. I think this is largely untapped and the clubs that do this do see success. Arena polo is also a great place to start attracting players in our modern world. We are seeing great success with arena leagues popping up across the country.
[Team owners] want to have fun with their discretionary income. Professionals and grooms are trying to survive. I encourage all clubs and members to collaborate around best practices, set aside challenges, egos, and sit down face to face every year, with the intent to map out a strategy around this and what makes sense for their club. USPA can help provide the tools, but good collaborative people on every level are still the backbone for this sport to thrive.”