Where are you from?
Germany, Munich.
What do you study?
Global management (Enterprise and Innovation).
How would you describe yourself?
Energetic, sports-enthusiastic and always open to trying new things. I'm very open-minded in regards to new cultures, new things to try and getting to know people from all around the world.
Tell us about your polo experience. What's your favourite thing about it?
I got into polo in my first year at Regent’s, through the University of London's Polo Society (UoLPC). Even though I’ve ridden all my life, polo was a completely new challenge, as it is a team sport – in comparison to traditional riding, which is a one-man-show. What I love most about polo is that it challenges you, not only physically – I believe it is one of the hardest sports in the world – but also mentally.
Being able to think strategically in a game, as well as being a team player are two extremely important attributes of a good polo player. Furthermore, I love the very international and open-minded community of polo people and how many people you meet at tournaments, during club chukkas and so on.
How’d you go about applying for the Filippo Corsini Polo Scholarship?
As I was polo manager of the UoLPC for a year, Mel Steingass (Sports Officer at Regent's) asked me to apply for the polo scholarship. The application process expects you to write a statement about why you think you deserve the scholarship, as well as attend an interview. However, the interview was very friendly and felt more like a conversation about polo and wasn’t intimidating at all. I can recommend everybody to apply for it, as it is a great opportunity to promote Regent’s Polo and get more into the sport.
What makes Regent’s unique?
What I believe is one of Regent’s greatest assets is how international and diverse it is. I believe diversity is the basis of creative thinking.
What’s the best thing about studying in central London?
Studying at Regent’s' campus, in the middle of one of the biggest and most beautiful royal parks in London is an extreme privilege. Central London is the hub of not only business life in London but also offers some of the best galleries and museums of the world, great international restaurants and bars, and the opportunity to meet inspiring people from all around the world.
How many times a week do you train for polo and where? How does this fit in with your studies?
As a third year student it is difficult to make time most of the time – however, I still try to play at least once a week. In my first and second year at Regent’s I played about 2-3 times a week, as well as club chukkas on weekends. However, the Berkshire Polo Club is very flexible and really tries its best to make time, even if it’s really early in the morning or quite late in the evening after lectures.
Regent's recently competed in the SUPA Universities Winter National Championships. Can you tell us more about this competition?
Competing at the University Nationals is always a great experience. It is one of the biggest polo competitions in the UK, with about 90 teams taking place each year. Whilst it is very competitive, it is still a very friendly event and enables students to get to know people from other universities all over the UK. It has an amazing atmosphere and really makes students proud of their university and their team.