South bay polo pros
Meet our Polo Professionals who dedicated to help you improve your game!
Francesca Finato - South Bay Polo Manager
Francesca started South Bay Polo in 2012 with the help of Tim Westin. Originally from Palo Alto, CA, “Frenchie” attended Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo and played for the Women’s Intercollegiate Team for 3 years. After college, she pursued a career in construction management, but her passion for polo pulled her back to the polo world.
She began working with Erik Wright of Wrightway Polo in Menlo Park, Indio and Burbank. Erik taught her the intricacies of running a club, teaching new and experienced players, and fine tuning horses for optimal play.
She is also a Certified Polo Instructor through the United States Polo Association, as well as a certified umpire both outdoor and arena. Francesca brings her superior management skills, teaching and coaching techniques to South Bay Polo.
Santos Arriola
Santos Arriola has been a part of South Bay Polo Club since day one and has helped build it into what it is today.
Santos was born and raised in Queretaro, Mexico, but has called California home for more than 30 years now. He learned to play at the San Diego Polo Club in Del Mar California and now holds a 2 goal handicap.
Santos brings his superior polo and horsemanship skills to South Bay Polo. Many call him a “horse whisperer”. He can make some of the most feral and fearful horses trust him with his gentle riding and handling. He is a valuable asset to South Bay Polo and our ponies.
Lee Mullins
Lee Mullins is a professional polo player from the Big Island of Hawaii. He began riding horses at a young age with his dad at the Hawaii Polo Club in Mokuleia. Lee has played professionally in Hawaii, the mainland and South America.
He currently coaches the youth and academy programs for South Bay Polo Club. Lee prides himself on being a smart rider and great sportsmen.
His horsemen skills and love for polo were passed down from his late father, Tony Mullins.
Jared Sheldon
South Bay Polo is excited to welcome Jared Sheldon for his clinic in May and as a pro at Menlo and South Bay from July – October this season. Members will be able to book chukkars and lessons with Jaren throughout the season and he will be playing at Menlo in their club and tournament chukkars. Jared is 4 goals outdoors and 7 goals indoor. He will be the captain of Team USA in Argentina in the arena before heading back for our May clinic. Be sure to take advantage of Jared’s time at South Bay by taking lessons that will focus on riding, game play and strategy.
Jared has turned his love of the sport into his career, including winning the U.S. Arena Open Championships twice, as well as countless tournaments on the grass field all the way up to the 20-goal level. Jared has represented the U.S.A. Polo Team all over the world, including in the Dominic Republic, India, and Australia, and also against England in the Westchester Arena Cup.
