American Polo Player Nic Roldan

NIC ROLDAN

A Conversation with America’s #1 Polo Player

By Margaret Luce

When I met Nic Roldan, world famous polo player, he was in his element, having just come in from a ride. I walked into the barn to find him sitting on the ground, adjusting his well-worn yet stunning Lascano riding boots. He was dressed all in black, looking like a rock star. Nic is 39, down to earth, and good looking to boot. He is well-mannered and was genuine and kind in talking with me. His whole vibe grabbed my attention. He is what I would call a true star, one possessing a wholesome and generous spirit for which I have true admiration.

I enjoyed getting to know Nic so much. He truly is an ambassador for polo, passionate about keeping the sport in a great light. He is the top-rated player in the U.S. and among the top 20 polo players in the world. He wants to increase recognition of the sport and use

polo as a way to connect people. Nic offers masterclasses and private coaching sessions. You could even play in an actual tournament with him. “Teaching and sharing the knowledge that I have learned over the years and that others have been good enough to share with me is something I love to do,” Nic said.

I loved hearing about Nic’s background and upbringing. Having achieved great success in his polo career and other business ventures at a young age, Nic is humble and has worked for everything he has. He was born in Argentina to Raul Roldan, also a polo player, and Dee, an interior designer. “I was always very lucky that my father in particular supported me and made sure I had all the right tools at hand to help me progress,” Nic said. He has a close relationship with his parents, who have mentored him and supported his efforts all his life.

He truly loves animals, and I felt a real kinship with him in that regard. During our conversation, there was a bit more activity on the farm than usual, and the horses were clearly a bit spooked. He got up twice to personally care for them and calm them. I was so impressed with how invested he is in these animals to tend to them himself rather than relying on the caregivers. Nic cares deeply for his polo horses and has a relationship with each one of them. “It’s considered that the horses account for 80% of the game whilst players account for just 20%,” Nic has said. Many of his beloved horses are ex-racehorses, or Off-the-Track-Thoroughbreds, animals perfectly suited to compete successfully in polo.

“Polo is one of the oldest sports and we continue to do things the same way…but at the same time, we are learning things, and the sport is getting more intense and physical,” Nic said. Those unfamiliar with polo may not realize what athleticism and discipline is required. Nic Roldan embodies true athletic discipline and structure. He rises each day at 5:00 am for meditation and exercise, followed by a traditional Argentine maté and then two hours of training with the horses.

Nic is very conscientious of what he associates his name with. Because fitness is so important for optimal performance in polo, he partners with equipment company Technogym, with flagship stores in New York and Los Angeles, for his training regimen. His rigorous training will, indeed, serve him well as he prepares to compete in the U.S. Open Polo Championship when it comes to Wellington March 29–April 24.

photography by Nic Mele

Nic’s home polo club, the Grand Champions Polo Club, FL, is owned by Marc and Melissa Ganzi, both renowned polo players themselves. Nic has competed in countless tournaments throughout his career, including the World Polo League, the highest level of polo outside of Argentina. He also spends his summers playing at Aspen Valley Polo Club, CO, also owned by the Ganzis. He currently holds an 8-goal handicap rating, among the highest on a scale from -2 to 10.

Apart from his polo career, Nic is warm and personable and a savvy entrepreneur. He is co-founder of High Goal Gin, developed with some friends from the polo community. “Our shared passion for polo brought us together; our collective love of gin led us to High Goal,” Nic said. The name of their spirit is a play on the polo term high goal, meaning a team with the highest level of polo.

Nic inherited his mother’s eye for design, evident in his work as a property developer. He is also a licensed realtor. Nic juggles all these roles with grace and ease. As his colleague, Natascha Baecher, put it, “Nic might go from sitting on an upturned bucket in the stables one moment to the head of the table at Le Bilboquet the next.” Nic maintains great relationships with businesses and sponsors alike. He has an incredible work ethic and continues to work tirelessly for all he

has. It’s obvious to me that he can jump in and out of things effortlessly because of his disciplined and structured lifestyle. That’s how you win.

“I’ve been very fortunate in all I’ve been able to do and all the incredible experiences that I’ve had during my journey as a professional polo player. As such, I’m very dedicated to giving back as much as I can, working with foundations that are close to my heart,” Nic shared. He is involved with the Kids Cancer Foundation and the Neil S. Hirsch Boys and Girls Club, both in his hometown of Wellington, FL. He also works with the Buddy Program in Aspen, CO, where Nic spends his summers. Nic worries, as I do, for the youth of today, with phones being a huge problem, causing kids to disengage and lose any edge they might otherwise have. So it means a lot to him to be able to make a difference doing what he can to serve the youth in the area.

In his generous nature, Nic offered me a polo lesson as I was leaving. I’m excited to take him up on that, so stay tuned. When he’s not training or competing, grooming his horses, or developing or designing properties, Nic loves to golf. He can frequently be found out on the links at Banyan Golf Club in Wellington.

Visit NicRoldan.com for more information about Nic.