2022 UVA graduate, and Virginia Polo Men’s Team Captain 2018-2022, Jack McLean made history last week playing in the first ever FIP Arena World Polo Championship tournament in Argentina.
We were delighted to see Jack honored to be chosen for the team. Since graduating, Jack moved to Florida and has been utilizing his UVA degree working as a Senior Analyst at Digital Bridge. What an exciting return to polo to be chosen to represent the USA! Alongside Jack (2) on the USA team were Jared Sheldon (5), Miguel Torres (5), and alternate and coach Jorge Vasquez (3).
In a streak of victories the USA team won 11-7 over Uruguay, 13-4 over Morocco, and tied with Austria 8-all to move onto the Semi finals against Argentina. USA again found victory over Argentina 10-9 landing them in the finals against France. The USA held the lead throughout the game until France began closing in in the final moments of the game, tying the score 8 all and winning with a goal in overtime. USA ended the tournament as Silver Medalists and a string of victories, a great showing in the first FIP Arena World Polo Tournament!
In Jack’s words, “Our comparative advantage on the US team was that we’ve played so much arena polo in the States through I/I programs. I came up through the I/I ranks and went to UVA and played intercollegiate. VA Polo’s mission to empower kids to compete in arena polo was certainly a contributor to my success and what I was able to contribute to the team as a whole. Getting to play so much arena polo was such a big help. My experience at Virginia Polo was quite helpful to set me up for this experience.”
If you’d like to see Jack in action, here are links to the games on ESPN Desportes Polo:
To learn more about the USA team on the USPA website, click here.
Photos by Sergio LLamera & thanks to USPA.
