National Polo Champ Trades His Helmet for a Hard Hat
Patrick Uretz ’14, who won two national championships with Westmont’s club polo team in 2013-14, is leaving professional polo for a career in construction. But until he rides into the sunset, he remains a formidable opponent. Patrick contributed seven goals in USA’s triumph in the II Federation of International Polo (FIP) Arena World Championship in Virginia and earned recognition as the Most Valuable Player.
Fellow alums and friends Alex Willson ’14 and Ky Koebele ’14 showed up to cheer for Patrick and Team USA, which defeated Argentina 16-14 in the championship. “I made some of the best friends of my life at Westmont — I’ll have them forever,” he says. “The Westmont community is small but mighty, and the education I received helped me get where I am and prepared me for life with and without polo.”
Patrick and his three brothers, alumni Wiley ’12, Tony ’16 and Hank ’19, share a love for horses, learned, perhaps, from their parents, who met during a riding lesson.
“My mom says a family that plays together stays together, so we’ve always played polo as a family in Santa Barbara and Palm Springs,” he says.
Hired to play polo in Canada during his sophomore year, Patrick earned enough money to buy three horses. His stature continued to rise after he graduated, competing in the 12 Goal season and the Pacific Coast Open in Santa Barbara.
Chosen to play with Team USA in the FIP World Polo Championship, Patrick first qualified in the Dominican Republic and then competed in the 2015 finals in Chile, losing 12–11 in overtime to the hosts.
“Losing that match stung,” he says, “so it meant a lot to win one and receive that gold medal.”
Patrick acknowledges some truth in the stereotype of polo as the sport of kings, the elite and the wealthy. “But behind the scenes, countless people — the grooms, trainers, breeders and support staff — work tirelessly to care for the horses and make the sport possible,” he says. “Many come from more modest backgrounds.”
An economics and business major, Patrick studied real estate investment and development with
adjunct professor John Tynan, which encouraged him to consider a career in construction. “Case studies on development got me excited about it,” he says. “I’d always thought about construction and then I had the opportunity to pursue it.”
Patrick works for Western Built Construction and oversees construction of a 24-unit commercial and residential development in Carpinteria. The firm’s owner, Justin Klenter, happens to be an accomplished polo player.
“He understands my situation and allows me to take advantage of opportunities, such as flying to Virginia and playing in the World Cup,” Patrick says.
“I plan to keep polo a part of my life while continuing my development work in Santa Barbara and Carpinteria. The housing shortage here offers significant opportunities.”
He and his wife, Emily Kasprowicz, live in Calabasas and prepare to welcome their first child in 2026.
“Westmont creates a community of people who love and rely on each other,” Patrick says. “I’ve made many connections with Westmont alums because we went to the same school and share a common faith.”