Scholarships & Awards
If you are interested in any of the below scholarships and have questions about applying, please contact Jenny at jenny@vapolo.org.
Austin Burdick Memorial Polo Scholarship
Austin was a member of the polo club throughout his time at UVA, class of 2014, where he studied biology. He was first introduced to polo at the age of thirteen and played at multiple sites along the east coast, competing in both arena and outdoor USPA tournaments with his father and twin brother.
The Austin Burdick Memorial Polo Scholarship is available to University of Virginia students who are members in good standing of the Virginia Polo Club and who participate on either the club or varsity teams. Recipients should maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5, as well as demonstrate merit, good sportsmanship and excellent integrity. Although not required, it is preferred the recipient also exhibit generosity and good humor.
The award is to be made annually and is non-renewable but the same student may receive the scholarship in multiple and/or consecutive years.
Applications are accepted at the beginning of the Spring semester, funds are awarded for the following school year.
Questions and completed applications can be sent to jenny@vapolo.org.
Vere Nicoll Scholarship
Raymond Vere Nicoll was a young man who loved polo and whose life was suddenly cut short by a terrible car accident. In 1975, friends and family of Raymond established a fund in his honor to provide a means for others to enjoy the polo while at the University of Virginia.
The Nicoll Fund can be used as financial aid for members of Virginia Polo who demonstrate need, for fixed capital improvements to the polo facility with credit going to the Fund, and as a means of keeping the membership dues for all to a minimum. However, the primary purpose of the Fund is to provide financial assistance to individual polo club members. The Nicoll Fund is available to students who are academically qualified, demonstrate an ability and interest in polo, and whose character and industry are proven. Decisions regarding financial assistance are made on a case-by-case basis by the Board of Directors of the Raymond Bruce Vere Nicoll Scholarship Fund.
Applications are accepted each winter and due by February 15th. Interviews follow in April and funds are awarded for the following school year.
To learn more and view the application, click the button below.
The Chevy Beh Memorial Polo Scholarship offered at the Virginia Polo Club was generously created & funded in spring 2023 by Joevy & Garvy Beh to honor the memory of their brother Chevy Beh.
The brothers thoughtfully identified his time in the Virginia Polo Club as cherished years in Chevy’s life. They gifted the scholarship to be awarded immediately, and for years into the future, to benefit and distinguish Polo Club members with dedication to the sport similar to Chevy's.
There is no application, but rather each year a student polo player is selected by The Chevy Beh Memorial Polo Scholarship Committee, making it both an honor to be selected and financially helpful to the student’s academic career.
The Virginia Polo board and members of the Virginia Polo Club greatly appreciate that Joevy and Garvy chose to benefit members of the Polo Club in tribute to Chevy.
To learn more about Chevy and the creation of this scholarship, see the News Article here.
Recipients are selected each Spring for the upcoming school year.
Chevy Beh Memorial Polo Scholarship Recipients:
Hannah Thomas, 2023-2024
Nora Gaudion, 2024-2025
Forbes Beginner Polo Award
Applications are accepted at the beginning of each semester and funds are awarded shortly thereafter.
Click the button below to apply. Questions and applications can be sent to jenny@vapolo.org.
After becoming passionate about horses and riding while in Charlottesville, but with no equestrian experience whatsoever, David Forbes decided to get serious about polo the summer before his fourth year. During that summer, David worked three days a week as a stable-hand/groom while also interning at a law firm. At the barn, David worked hard and learned a lot about horses, their care, and running a spotless barn. With a used pair of boots and a polo helmet given to him, David joined Virginia Polo and made the Junior Varsity team his fourth year. Polo was the most exciting sport he had ever played, and his year revolved around it. David made very good friends and truly appreciated the experience offered to him by Virginia Polo and the Alumni that support it. It truly changed his life, and he would like to help other students enjoy the same experience.
The Forbes Beginner Polo Award was created to assist students who are new to polo and have financial need. Please submit your application at the beginning of each semester.
Forbes Award Recipients
Caroline Blang, Fall 2024
Shang Ruan, Spring 2024
Mackenzie Craig, Spring 2023
Mackenzie Craig, Spring 2022
Katy Owens, Fall 2022
Katie Define, 2019
Henry Bonner, 2011-2012
Katie Becker, 2010-2011
Savannah Barry, 2009-2010