On a Tuesday evening in Memphis, a small group gathers on a court at Greenfield Arena. Specialized polo bikes and mallets fill the space as players compete in a fast-paced game of finesse and balance. To an outsider, bike polo may look intense, with fast turns, quick hits, and players balancing on two wheels while chasing a ball, but the women helping grow the sport in Memphis say the heart of bike polo is really the community.

For Leigh Black, bike polo quickly became more than just a hobby. “I don’t even have a regular bike, just a polo bike,” she laughs. Leigh discovered the sport through friends in the cycling community about six years ago. She gave it a try and was immediately hooked. After taking a break during her pregnancy and the COVID years, she returned to find a revitalized community with a new court and players eager to build a competitive and lively polo group in Memphis.

Bike polo is played three-on-three on a hard court, with players using mallets to hit the ball into goals at either end. The sport demands coordination, balance, and strategy, but unlike many competitive sports, it allows beginners to jump in quickly. “It’s fast, gritty, and challenging,” Leigh says. “But it’s also slow enough that it’s beginner-friendly.” In the Memphis Bike Polo group, mistakes are expected, and learning is part of the culture.

At 42, with a 5-year-old at home, Leigh says one of the most valuable parts of polo is finding something that feels playful as an adult. “As adults, it’s hard to find something with a relaxed atmosphere,” she says. “Even if you’re not playing, it’s really entertaining to watch. People get rowdy, and it’s really fun and social.”

This welcoming atmosphere is exactly what drew Maddie Nunnery in after moving to Memphis last September. She first showed up at the Memphis Social Bicycle Club, as recommended by friends, and decided to give it a shot. “I’ve never been big into sports,” Maddie says. “But everyone was very welcoming. They genuinely love having new players because teaching someone helps their game, too.”

Though learning bike polo as a cyclist means developing entirely new skills like tight bike control, fast maneuvering, and learning how to fall safely, Maddie says the challenge never feels like work. “It’s playing and having fun,” she says. “You can be hard on yourself when you’re new, but you’re learning skills you’ve never done before.” More than anything, playing polo helped Maddie build friendships she never expected. “I don’t know that I would’ve made friends with these people in any other situation,” she says.

Brooke Shannon, another newer player, shares the same sentiment. Brooke also joined after hearing about polo through the Memphis Social Bicycle Club, and remembers that the low barrier to entry made all the difference. “There’s no pressure and no investment required,” she says. “The club has loaner bikes and mallets so that anyone can try.” At 39, Brooke appreciates the diversity of the group, not just in age, but in experience and background. “Some of the best players are women,” she says. “Everyone shares tips organically and learns from each other.”

Memphis Bike Polo meets Sunday and Tuesday evenings at 6:30 p.m. Follow along with @memphisbikepolo on Instagram for the most up-to-date schedule, and additional opportunities to join the fun. No equipment is required, and no experience is necessary!

 

By Zoe Harrison
Photo by Will Moss