Kareem Rosser’s story begins in Philadelphia’s “The Bottom” neighborhood, where a chance introduction to polo sparked a passion that would shape the course of his life. Today he is an award-winning polo champion, author, and philanthropist whose voice resonates far beyond the sport. In 2025, he and Team USA made history by winning the Federation of International Polo Arena Polo World Championship, marking the first United States victory in more than thirty years. His newest memoir, When You’re Ready: A Love Story, offers an intimate look into grief, love, and the search for purpose, revealing a side of his journey that reaches well beyond competition.
Much of Kareem’s impact is rooted in his work with Work to Ride, the Philadelphia based organization that introduced him to horses as a child and opened a world of opportunity. His leadership continues to help expand access to equestrian sports for underrepresented youth through the program and through the growing Philadelphia Polo Classic, which has quickly become a signature event for the city.
Kareem’s path from West Philadelphia to global polo champion began the moment he picked up a mallet. He recalls becoming immediately obsessed. Simply being at the barn made his worries fade, and the more he returned, the more he realized he was stepping into something far more powerful than a game. Polo became a gateway to travel, education, community, and a future he had not yet imagined.
His first memoir, Crossing the Line, required a level of honesty that pushed him to seek his family’s blessing before writing a single sentence. Sharing deeply personal experiences was one of the most difficult parts of the process, but vulnerability allowed him to see his own growth with clarity. Writing the book became an opportunity to pause, reflect, and acknowledge how far he had come.
Work to Ride remains at the center of Kareem’s mission. As Executive Vice President, he is committed to expanding programming, building new partnerships, and using the organization’s newly renovated facilities to elevate the next generation. He envisions an even broader reach for the program, extending its influence across Philadelphia and into communities well beyond the city.
International competition has also shaped his understanding of access and equity. Representing Team USA has been a privilege, especially winning the FIP World Arena Polo Championship, yet it has also highlighted the significant resources required to compete at a high level. The barriers he has witnessed both at home and abroad reinforce his dedication to creating pathways for young people who may not see themselves reflected in equestrian spaces.
The Philadelphia Polo Classic was born from Kareem’s desire to share the world that transformed his life with the community that raised him. Entering its fourth year, the event stands as a bridge between cultures, neighborhoods, and lived experiences. His hope is that it continues to inspire and empower people to believe in possibilities beyond their circumstances.
His latest memoir, When You’re Ready: A Love Story, differs from his first by shifting focus from childhood and sport to adulthood and emotional growth. It explores love, loss, and healing, reminding readers that vulnerability is a form of strength. Kareem hopes the book encourages people to lean on their support systems during difficult moments and to embrace the idea that healing is not a solitary journey.
To young people facing adversity, Kareem offers the wisdom forged through his own challenges. Hardship will always appear in life, but every challenge carries the potential to teach, strengthen, and transform. Even when the path forward is unclear, perseverance and the right mindset can lead to a future that once felt out of reach.
Featured Image Credit: Taylor Pence
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