This past Saturday, March 22nd, University of Virginia graduate Jim Deal was commissioned 2nd Lieutenant of the United States Marines. A Virginia Polo crew were there to support him, including former teammates, board members, and past coach.
2nd Lt Jim Deal’s graduation from the Marine Corps’ Officer Candidate School marks the first step in his career in the United States Marine Corps. It was the culmination of the Marine Corps’ 10 week course in which civilians go from civilian life to becoming commissioned officers. It is a tough program many do not complete, this class had a 67% graduation rate. After a day’s break he went on to The Basic School where all Marines go for training.
2nd Lt. Deal swore the Oath of Commissioning amidst the support of his family and many Virginia Polo friends. Susan and Kris Deal, Deal’s parents, performed the Pinning Ceremony, placing the rank insignia on his uniform in a meaningful act of support. The presentation was in front of an illustrious audience including former U.S. Senator and Secretary of the Navy, author, and combat Marine in Vietnam, James Webb.
At the Officers’ ceremony current UVA student polo player Mike Haas (USNR) gave him his first salute. Deal has been a polo mentor to Haas and Haas mentored Deal in his journey into military service. Additional Virginia Polo supporters included his former teammates Jack McLean, Parker Pearce, Brennan Wells, and Vlad Tarashansky, his former coach Lou Lopez, and board member Colonel Steve Walsh (USMC Ret.), all proud to bear witness to 2nd Lt Deal’s accomplishment.
We are excited to see what the future holds for such an impressive young alumni!
The Deal Family at 2nd Lt Jim Deal’s Commissioning Ceremony, Susan, Jim, Kris, and Connor
Former teammates Jack McLean (UVA ‘22), Brennan Wells (UVA ‘22), Coach Lou Lopez, 2nd Lt Jim Deal (UVA ‘23), Vlad Tarashansky (UVA ‘24), and Parker Pearce (UVA ‘23) at the Officers’ Commissioning Ceremony.
2nd Lt Jim Deal (USMC) with Colonel Steve Walsh (USMC Ret.)
2n Lt Jim Deal on an obstacle course back during his OCS training
Below are photos from 2nd Lt Jim Deal’s years on the men’s polo team at Virginia Polo.
2nd Lt Jim Deal, back when he was playing for UVA, carries the ball in the 2023 National Intercollegiate Championship Finals. Photo by Dan Addison.
2nd Lt Jim Deal, back when he was playing for UVA, hits the ball on the nearside in the 2022 Fall Invitational. Photo by Dan Addison.
2nd Lt Jim Deal, back when he was playing for UVA, carries the ball down the boards in the 2022 Fall Invitational. Photo by Dan Addison.
2nd Lt Jim Deal, back when he was playing for UVA, controlling the ball in a March 2022 practice with his team.