Prep Talk


by Natasha Wolff | October 22, 2014 9:04 am

When you hear the word polo[1], the things that pop to mind almost always 
include golf shirts and Veuve Clicquot, but there’s something else to
 add to that list: the U.S. Polo Assn., the official licensed brand for polo in the United States. Its main mission: to keep the sport alive and thriving by generating funds through branded items of clothing, luggage, accessories and shoes that go back to the United States Polo Association (USPA).

Wesley Finlayson, Jonny Lavine, Juan Bollini, Herndon Radcliff

Recently, the U.S. Polo Assn. launched a fall/winter 2014-15 ad campaign starring 
seven up-and-coming polo players. “We are the authentic brand for the
 sport of polo and so it was important that we would use authentic polo 
players,” says Jacqueline Harrigan of USPA Properties.



There’s a certain camaraderie that shines through each uniquely
 American snapshot—the players, who range in ages 18 to 24, have grown
up and learned how to play the sport together from a young age. Decked 
out in U.S. Polo Assn. attire and mallets, the rising athletes look comfortable 
in their own skin. “We really wanted to support players who were 
interested in pursuing the sport as part of their career path,” says 
Harrigan.



Isabella Wolf, Juan Bollini

There’s 23-year-old Isabella Wolf, who comes from an equestrian
 family, has been playing for 14 years and is a member of the
 Inter-Collegiate/Interscholastic team through the University of 
Virginia and Ashley Van Metre, who’s training to go pro. Herndon 
Radcliff, Julia Steiner, Juan Bollini, Jonny Lavine
 and Wesley Finalyson are among the other players featured. “I’ve
 worked on a lot of shoots with models and these players are fun and
 casual—they’re youthful and so passionate about the sport. They’re
 such a tight-knit community,” says Harrigan. “It’s also the only where sport 
you can speak to the players. You can walk right up to them after the game to speak with them about the sport. There’s a real sense of community.”



Wesley Finlayson, Jonny Lavine

With the spring/summer campaign launching in the new year—which marks 
their 125th anniversary—the U.S. Polo Assn. continues to build visibility around 
polo, working hard to support the sport and develop the players. “[The 
campaign] also speaks to the fact that polo is a sport of the youth. Now
 more so than ever, there’s a lot more youth in the sport, which is 
helping to educate young players to get involved.” 

Learn more at uspoloassnglobal.com[2]; Shop at uspoloassn.com[3]

Source URL: https://dujour.com/style/united-states-polo-association-fall-winter-campaign-pictures/