Virginia Polo’s Mission
Virginia Polo provides University of Virginia students from all walks of life, both men and women, with the opportunity to experience the sport of polo at an affordable price.
In keeping with the philosophy of the founders, the program strives to instill in each student the merits of responsibility, hard work, dedication, the rewards of fellowship, working as a team, and the ability to compete in an intercollegiate sport on the national level. These are valuable lessons that endure in the students’ personal and professional lives after college.
The club continues to be a student run organization with members equally sharing responsibility for the athletic success, work ethic, and outstanding reputation of our polo legacy. The Board of Directors is dedicated to providing overall management, professional coaching, and long-term financial support for future generations.
Virginia Polo, Inc. is not supported by the University of Virginia and relies on donations from alumni, parents, and supporters for its financial well being.
Founding member Don Hannah in his UVA jersey.
Roberts trophy award presentation.
Game photo from the 1955 UVA yearbook
History
In 1953 a group of like-minded equestrians came together to form a polo club at the University of Virginia, with their first entry in an intercollegiate tournament the same year. The Club was started with very little money, at one point they had only $13 and the University of Virginia Honor Code as collateral to borrow. When the first official VA Polo photo was taken the club had no horses and had to borrow their mounts! What the founders lacked in finances they made up for in desire, hard work, and determination to persevere and build the club and provide polo to interested students.
Through the years, over 1200 students have improved their skills or been introduced to polo in the club.
Thanks to its loyal supporters - alumni, parents, friends and members alike, the polo program at UVA, has grown from humble beginnings to one of the best equipped collegiate polo facilities in the Nation and the original concept of "affordable polo for any student" still prevails.
The Virginia Polo Center is host to USPA interscholastic and intercollegiate events including the 2022, 2023, and 2024 National Intercollegiate Championship tournaments.