UNION — Polo is allowing Quinn Evans to see the world.

Earlier this month, the Union High School graduate was on the winning side of the 2024 Paris Games Polo Challenge in France. He spent a few days soaking in the Olympic experience in Paris before another stop in Germany. After spending a little time at home with his parents in Eastern Oregon, Evans is now off to Argentina for three months of polo practices and games against some of the best competition in the world.

Polo challenge

Evans was part of a four-person American squad that defeated the French side 10-7 in August at the Polo Club du Domaine de Chantilly, about 30 minutes from Paris. The match was a centennial celebration of the opening match of the fourth Olympic Polo Tournament at the 1924 Paris Games, a match the U.S. team won 15-1.

“The polo challenge was a great experience and we won, so that was good,” he said. “To put on the USA jersey, even though it was for just one game, was super fun to experience.”

Being coached by Julio Arellano, a successful former polo player, was a highlight for Evans as he continues to learn and grow his skills.

Evans said the French proved to be a strong and physical team, but the U.S. team was were able to counter and get the victory. It was even more special because Evans had family and friends who made the trip and cheered him on. After securing victory, he was draped in the American flag during the celebration.

“Anytime you play a sport, the ultimate dream is to represent your country and it is one of the highest honors you can achieve,” he said. “For me to be able to do that was something very special. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”

Evans and his teammates flew from California to France a week before the event to get some practice time together. They also got to take in French historic sites and culture in the first trip to Europe for Evans.

After concluding the competition, Evans was able to take in a few of the track and field Olympic events and was impressed with the sense of national pride everyone — not just the athletes — displayed in Paris.

On to Argentina

Evans, 25, is staying busy as he left Aug. 29 for a three-month stay in Argentina where he will practice and take part in games with his team, the La Aguada Polo Club.

“I will be down there looking to get better and hopefully play in some tournaments,” he said. “It will provide me with plenty of training and practice for the upcoming year.”

This marks the third time the Oregonian has gone south to Argentina where he said the competition is some of the best in the world. He said the games are played at a faster pace with a more open style.

“It is where the highest-level tournament of the year is played and there are a lot of amazing players down there,” he said. “It is a great opportunity to get better. For me, it is about going game-to-game and practice-by-practice to improve.”

When Evans is not practicing or playing polo, he will spend time riding and training horses. His three teammates from the Polo Challenge also will be in Argentina as well as numerous other riders he has come to know.

“I am enjoying this and I want to continue to do that while I can and get to the best level I can,” he said.