Kitana St. Cyr: The Haitian Horsewoman Galloping Into History
Published by The Haitian Pulse | May 29, 2025
In a sport dominated by the elite and often out of reach for communities of color, a determined and graceful Haitian woman is rewriting the narrative—one match at a time. Meet Kitana St. Cyr, the 29-year-old Haitian-American polo player shattering barriers and redefining success while proudly waving the red and blue of Haiti.
From Earthquake Survivor to Polo Star
Kitana's journey begins in Haiti, where she was born and raised. Her childhood was steeped in the rich culture, spirit, and strength of the Haitian people. But like so many others, her life changed forever in 2010 when the catastrophic earthquake devastated Port-au-Prince and surrounding areas. Surviving such a tragedy left deep scars—but also forged a will of iron.
Kitana and her family immigrated to the United States in the wake of the disaster, seeking not only safety but opportunity. That journey led them to South Florida, where her path would take an unexpected and powerful turn.
Discovering a New Passion
It wasn’t until high school in Florida that Kitana was introduced to horseback riding. What started as curiosity quickly became passion. With a natural connection to horses and an unyielding work ethic, she began training in English riding—a discipline known for its precision and technical rigor.
“I got good at it,” she recalls. “My coaches saw something in me I couldn’t see myself.”
Her athleticism and dedication opened doors to Olympic-level training, and eventually, a new horizon: polo.
Breaking Into a World Few Dare to Enter
Despite being considered one of the most exclusive sports in the world—often seen as a playground for the ultra-wealthy—Kitana carved out her space with grit and grace. She began playing polo just seven years ago, yet her trajectory has been nothing short of spectacular.
In 2024, she and her team won the Polo Lifestyles Tournament, a milestone victory that solidified her place in the sport. She competes proudly with the Haitian flag emblazoned on her helmet, a tribute to her roots and her journey. “Being Haitian is my superpower,” she told NBC6. And for those who know what Haitians are made of—resilience, pride, and revolutionary spirit—that statement rings true.
Taking the Haitian Flag to the World Stage
This September, Kitana will take on her biggest challenge yet: The Women’s French Open, one of the most prestigious international polo tournaments. It marks her first global title event and a moment not only for her career, but for Haiti.
In a time when positive stories about Haitians often get buried under headlines of political turmoil or economic hardship, Kitana stands as a powerful symbol of hope. Her discipline, elegance, and trailblazing spirit represent the untold stories of a people who continue to rise, despite adversity.
An Invitation to the Haitian Community
Kitana’s message to aspiring young Haitians is simple and powerful: “Be curious. Don’t be scared. It’s a lot more inviting than you think.”
Her story reminds us that greatness doesn’t always come from predictable places—and that our children, when exposed to opportunity and belief, can excel in arenas once thought unreachable.
As she trains for the global spotlight, The Haitian Pulse is proud to stand with Kitana and celebrate her as a cultural ambassador and role model.
Why This Matters
Kitana’s rise isn’t just about personal success. It’s about reclaiming space, defying stereotypes, and inspiring a new generation of Haitian excellence in unexpected fields.
We must recognize and support individuals like Kitana—not just with applause, but with visibility, resources, and most importantly, representation. Imagine what our community could achieve if more of our youth were exposed to stories like hers. She is not just riding for glory—she's riding for all of us.
What do you think about Kitana’s story and her rise in the sport of polo? Leave a comment below and share your thoughts with The Haitian Pulse community!
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