Polo Development

Award winners

Meet two national interscholastic polo champions

By Hayley Heatley

Vance Miller III

Vance Miller III made a trek across the country this summer, playing in NYTS Qualifier events in Houston, Nashville, Chicago and Sheridan. With professional players like Steve Krueger, Steve Orthwein and Horacio Onetto on the sidelines at the tournaments, Miller took advantage of the opportunity to learn from each player along the way. As an accomplished high school quarterback, Miller easily translated his ability to read the field and player positioning to the polo field. After graduating high school, he joined his brother, Vaughn Jr., at the University of North Texas to continue playing arena polo in the USPA Intercollegiate/Interscholastic program. Miller has his sights set on joining a top real estate firm in Dallas.

Vance Miller at his family’s Prestonwood Polo Club

“Polo has created a family bond that, for us, is unbreakable.”

—Vance Miller

Sophie Grant powers past Athena Malin in the 2019 Girls’ NYTS National Championship.

Sophie Grant

Sophie Grant’s love of the sport of polo is evident. As the third sister in her family to take up polo, Grant acknowledges the impact it has made on her family. Most recently, she played in the NYTS Qualifier tournaments at Maryland and Aiken Polo

Clubs. Homeschooling her final two years of high school has allowed Grant the opportunity to spend more time in Aiken, South Carolina, immersed in polo. Playing outdoor tournament polo consistently has opened her eyes to a new facet of the sport.

She said, “There are many new strategies to learn, and professionals who are able teach you as you play.” Aside from polo, Grant enjoys skiing, scuba diving and fishing. •

“I love getting to see friends I have made across the country at NYTS tournaments!”

—Sophie Grant