Obituary
Winner of the 2000 US Open and pioneer of women ’ s polo , Sunset “ Sunny ” Hale inspired many across the globe .
Obituary
SunnyHale
Winner of the 2000 US Open and pioneer of women ’ s polo , Sunset “ Sunny ” Hale inspired many across the globe .
Singapore 2017
Sunny Hale , the world ’ s greatest female player passed away on 26th February following complications from her battle with cancer at Norman Regional Hospital , Oklahoma . Famously recognised as the first woman to win The US Open after a personal invitation to play on the Outback team with polo hero , Adolfo Cambiaso , Sunny was an outstanding player and sport advocate .
She had a strong belief in women ’ s polo undoubtedly ignited by her mother , Sue Sal the first female to earn a registered handicap with the USPA in ’ 72 . Prior to then she had navigated the choppy polo waters that meant women could only play minor games , by disguising herself as a Mr . A . Jones , taping down her breasts and painting on a moustache . This determination for an equal playing field for both sexes inspired her daughter and meant Sunny was instrumental in creating the women ’ s polo handicap and always at the forefront of promoting women in the sport . She truly broke the glass ceiling of the game when she attained a 5 goal handicap .
Having grown up surrounded by ponies , where they acted as glorified babysitters whilst her mother worked , it is no wonder that she caught the polo bug early . By aged 10 she was playing her first tournament , and later she gave up university to pursue the sport full-time – and so perhaps it is no wonder that she attained the status that she did .
“ She was instrumental not only in women ’ s polo but polo in general ,” USPA Women ’ s Committee Chairman Erica Gandomcar-Sachs said . “ Just a small list of accomplishments from memory are coming up - her creation of a qualifying tournament ( Women ’ s Championship Tournament ) to give young players and new female
“ She truly broke the glass ceiling of the game when she attained a 5 goal handicap .”
players a chance to feel like they were part of something has been vital for developing players , the creation of The American Polo Horse Association that gives credibility to our sport throughout the entire equestrian community , she was inducted into the Cowgirl Hall of Fame , she won multiple player of the year awards and too many major tournament wins , MVPs and BPPs to list ... She truly was an amazing human being .”
Photography by Bill Barbosa
She travelled the world , polo sticks in hand , inspiring a full generation of players – there is scarcely a women in the sport today who hasn ’ t been deeply saddened by the loss of such a beacon and pioneer .
And she was equally inspring off the polo pitch , touring as a motivational speaker discussing her journey of success in a male-dominated world . Incredibly , between competing , training , touring and travelling , she also found time to write books on the subject .
Having been involved in the governance of the USPA for many years as a Governor-at-Large ( 2009-2015 ) and Women ’ s Committee Chairman , Sunny inspired others to follow their dreams and to challenge the status quo .
“ Sunny was a leader in polo . Her passion left a remarkable positive mark on everyone she met ,” said USPA Chairman Joseph Meyer , “ Whenever I asked Sunny to help , she was there as a friend and Board Member for the Association . Her accomplishment as the highest-rated woman player is a testament to her drive . Her vision for polo pony registration and women ’ s polo will live on , and she ’ ll always be remembered . She has been a major inspiration to many young players , and made huge contributions to the sport and the USPA . She will be greatly missed by all .” ■
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