TEXAS ARENA LEAGUE WRAPS UP SUCCESSFUL 2025 SEASON
Concluding its eight season, the Texas Arena League (TAL) celebrated another memorable year of competitive arena polo with its End-of-League Awards during the final weekend of the Classic Division, held from Friday, March 14 to Sunday March 16, at Brookshire Polo Club in Brookshire, Texas. The weekend’s competition featured the finals of the Southwestern Circuit General George S. Patton Jr. and Southwestern Circuit General Lewis B. “Chesty” Puller. Awards were presented across all levels, recognizing the commitment, teamwork and passion demonstrated throughout the season. While the final matches brought a sense of closure, they also reflected the strong sense of community and spirited rivalry that define TAL.
The 0- to 3-goal level saw Cheval Athletics (Christina Cantu, Megan Flynn, Drew Luplow) take on Polo InterActive (Brooke Burke, Jose Velez, Carlos Ramirez) in a fast-paced, action-packed final for the Southwestern Circuit General George S. Patton Jr. Both teams earned their place with strong performances throughout the season, but Cheval Athletics wasted no time taking control of the game. Polo InterActive responded with grit and determination in every chukker, yet Cheval Athletics’ fluid teamwork and consistent pressure proved decisive for the 19-7 win.
Flynn reflected on the team’s chemistry and what made this particular win especially rewarding, “Drew (Luplow) and I have played together before, so we had a lot of confidence in each other going into the final, but what made it special for me was winning with Christina (Cantu). She started in my polo school, and this was her first buckle in TAL!”
Competing in the 3- to 6-goal division, Legends Polo Club (Omar “Adrian” Aguilar, John Hand, Garrett Bankhead) squared off against Polo InterActive (Jose Velez, Audry Persano*, James Glew) for the Southwestern Circuit General Lewis B. “Chesty” Puller. In a tightly contested battle, the match featured strategic plays, rapid transitions and standout individual efforts as both teams pushed for control. Polo InterActive fought hard to stay in contention, but it was the composed and consistent performance from Legends Polo Club that ultimately made the difference. Competing in both military events, Polo InterActive’s Velez shared after the final horn, “I want to thank James Glew, Audry Persano, Brooke Burke and Carlos Ramirez. They were heroic in the finals!”
Among the individual awards presented, the Polo Training Foundation (PTF) Most Improved Player was awarded to Taylor DeNeve. Reflecting on the honor, DeNeve shared, “I’ve prioritized learning the game and ensuring safe riding was second nature when playing over this past year. Due to this, I felt like I’ve been ‘slower’ in advancement than other players, but receiving this award proved my diligence was worth the time. My goal as a player has always been to prioritize my horsemanship and game comprehension. Since I haven’t been a high goal scorer, being awarded PTF Most Improved for my ability to contribute in game rather than statistics, is an honorable achievement.”
DeNeve added, “I think my improvement wouldn’t have been possible without my family who has always supported me since I picked up a mallet last February, Texas A&M University Polo Club (College Station, Texas), for allowing an affordable and friendly environment to learn in and Madi Holm who provided her incredible polo ponies for me to play throughout TAL. Additionally, watching old USPA Polo Network matches and utilizing the USPA Player Development Portal before (or during) classes had a big hand. Now I’ll be working to make sure this isn’t the last time my name is heard.”
The Spirit of Patton Award celebrating the powerful connection between horse and rider was presented to Gunsmoke, played and owned by Stephanie Colburn*. Detailing how her unique partnership with Gunsmoke has shaped her polo career, Colburn said, “Gunsmoke and I had an incredible performance this season in the arena, reaching the pinnacle of success. He helped me clinch the 2024 USPA Women’s Arena Open and USPA Women’s Arena Handicap titles and the 2025 National Arena Delegate’s Cup. Gunsmoke exudes strength, power, speed and yet, has incredible handle and finesse which makes him unbeatable in the arena. Playing polo on Gunsmoke gives me an unparalleled confidence, where we both just feel unstoppable together!”
Colburn continued, “Ben (Colburn) and I purchased Gunsmoke about four years ago on our way home from a TAL event. Over the last four years, Gunsmoke and I have built a deeply rooted partnership based on shared kindness and trust. Gunsmoke is not your stereotypical gelding and does not trust everyone he meets. He and I have a special bond, and I would like to think he enjoys working hard for me. I have always felt like Gunsmoke is incredible athlete and my personal best playing pony. It makes me so happy to finally see him getting recognition.”
Following the final matches, TAL celebrated standout performances with its End-of-League Awards, recognizing both game day impact and season-long achievement. Honors such as Most Valuable Player, Best Playing Pony and Sportsmanship were awarded per match, while other distinctions—voted on by fellow TAL participants and umpires—highlighted those who best embodied the spirit of the League. Final team rankings were determined by overall win-loss records, rewarding consistency and competitiveness throughout the season.
Although the 2025 TAL season has officially wrapped up, anticipation is already building. As new rosters take shape, the league promises fresh talent and surprising moments that keep even the most experienced players on their toes. The welcoming atmosphere and dedicated fanbase ensure that arena polo will continue to thrive deep in the heart of Texas.
The Texas Arena League extends its gratitude to the sponsors, donors, host sites, coordinators and volunteers who played a key role in making this season a success. For updates on the 2026 season, visit www.texasarenaleague.com.
