Not long after the 2025 Newport Polo season drew to a close, the streets of Newport glowed under a golden October sunset, setting the stage for one of the Club’s most cherished traditions — the Annual Players Dinner, where the season’s top achievers and standout contributors are honored.

Each year, this gathering unites players, patrons, and supporters in celebrating the true spirit of Newport Polo — dedication, sportsmanship, and camaraderie. While the season brims with thrilling competition and unforgettable moments, the Players Dinner offers a chance to applaud those whose commitment and passion embody the heart of the sport, deserving their moment in the Winner’s Circle.

From the lively cobblestone waterfront to the top floor of the Clarke Cooke House, guests arrived with handshakes and smiles, rekindling friendships since the September finale. In the storied SkyBar, toasts were raised as candlelit tables filled around the Porch’s famed dance floor.

Club President Dan Keating called the gathering to order with a warm welcome to the far-reaching community in attendance, raising a glass to recognize the year’s international team hosts, corporate partners, season passholders, dedicated staff, and gala committee volunteers, before proceeding to the Club’s annual achievement awards — a fitting finale to another remarkable season.

Recognitions to the Best Playing Ponies were displayed on each table named after one of the 6, and on the perpetual blanket with the newly embroidered names of the true heroes of the 2025 season: the horses. It is often said that “the horse is 75% of a player’s handicap,” and at Newport Polo, this truth is held in the highest regard. Throughout the season, the club’s players generously lent their prized ponies to visiting international teams, a gesture of sportsmanship and trust that embodies the spirit of global polo camaraderie. After each international match, the visiting team selected the Best Playing Pony, recognizing the horse that best demonstrated agility, athleticism, and heart.

Keating’s next honoree was the coaches’ Rookie of the Year Award, established in 2021 to recognize the new member who, despite limited experience, has shown exceptional promise and progress during their first season. This year’s award went to Kat Thompson, whose journey into polo has been as inspiring as it has been impressive. Kat entered the club with open curiosity and unstoppable enthusiasm. From her very first lesson, she displayed a natural affinity for the sport, combining athleticism, courage, and a deep appreciation for her equine partners. Week after week, she embraced the learning process with humility and drive, absorbing every bit of instruction, always eager to improve.

“Kat showed great gusto as she jumped into our training program using every opportunity to improve throughout the lessons and coaching league, culminating in her tournament performance this week,” described Coach Minnie Keating; “she has a great future in polo!” 

The room erupted in applause as Kat received her award, her genuine excitement reflecting the promise of a new generation of players who will carry forward the club’s tradition of excellence. Her journey, still in its early chapters, is a reminder that every great player once began as a passionate beginner eager, fearless, and full of heart.

The evening continued with the presentation of the Sportsmanship Award, also established in 2004 and presented by 2024 Sportsman, Chris Fragomeni. This award honors the player voted by their peers, who exemplifies the highest level of integrity, kindness, and respect for someone whose character shines as brightly as their skill. This year, the award was given to Brenden Tetreault, a player whose name has become synonymous with good sportsmanship within the club. Throughout the season, Brenden’s positive attitude, humility, and unwavering respect for teammates and opponents alike stood as a model for all. He approached every match and practice with enthusiasm and fair play, often serving as a steadying presence during intense competition. 

“Brenden always came to polo, win,lose or draw, with such a great attitude, optimism and competitiveness” described President, Dan Keating 

Brenden’s recognition drew heartfelt claps. In a sport where passion and competitiveness run high, he has consistently reminded others that the real measure of greatness is not found in the score, but in the grace with which one plays the game.

Lastly, the Most Improved Player Award, established in 2004 and presented this year by past winner Touba Ghadessi,  recognizes the player who has shown the greatest growth over the course of the season, demonstrating commitment, persistence, and a clear evolution in their play. This year’s honoree, determined by his peers, is Stuart Odell, who out for his remarkable development both on and off the field. From his early season practices to his performance in competitive Saturday matches, Stuart’s improvement was unmistakable. He refined his technical skill, sharpened his field awareness, and became an even more confident and composed presence among his teammates. Beyond his athletic progress, he brought humility and determination to every match the quiet hallmarks of a true sportsman.

“Stuart had noteworthy improvement in his abilities from last year, but also improvement all season long this summer. He is definitely a player to watch and follow his trajectory, knowing that he will be working hard on his game over the winter months as well. We look forward to seeing where his talent brings him in the future,” commented Dan Keating. 

As Stuart accepted the award to warm applause, there was a shared understanding in the room that progress like his is what keeps the spirit of Newport Polo alive, the continuous striving, learning, and love of the game that connects every player, regardless of experience.

As the lighter “Minnie Awards” were presented, laughter and applause filled the clubhouse, the evening closed on a note of gratitude. The Winner’s Circle is more than an awards ceremony; it is a celebration of the community that has grown around the sport, a reflection of how passion and teamwork transcend competition. From seasoned players to first-time rookies, from sponsors to spectators, and from the ponies in the stables to the people in the stands, every part of Newport Polo contributes to its enduring legacy.

We would like to thank all of our club members, players, and supporters for an incredible 2025 season. Your energy and enthusiasm make Newport Polo the thriving, welcoming community it is today. And while the main season may have come to a close, the action isn’t over yet! We look forward to our two remaining Autumn polo tournaments, where the spirit of competition and camaraderie will continue to shine in the arena.

Here’s to another unforgettable season and to the players, ponies, and people who make Newport Polo truly exceptional.