October 2021 Polo Players' Edition - Student Excellence

Student Excellence

USPA Intercollegiate Scholarship Winners Announced

Congratulations to recipients of the USPA Intercollegiate Scholarships.

Requirements for application include playing at least two years of interscholastic polo as an active USPA member; competing on an intercollegiate team; 3.0 GPA; two letters of recommendation; and a short essay. Recipients are selected based on horsemanship, sportsmanship, playing ability, contribution to the sport, academic excellence and character. The funds awarded to players are paid directly to the student’s institution for their tuition and are renewable for up

to four years. Congratulations to these outstanding student athletes and good luck to them in their college careers!

These athletes join Annie Ebersold, Jack McLean, Sydney Weise, Brennan Wells, Frieda Witmer, Cory Williams, Lila Bennett, Parker Pearce, Vance Miller, Nick Paciorek, Jasmine Umrigar, Lea Ji-Vieira, Patricio Fraga-Errecart, Hannah Reynolds, Elizabeth Owens, Grace Mudra, Grace Grotnik, Samantha Leach and Kaylin Bender as award recipients for the 2021-2022 school year.

Grayson Price

Fulshear, Texas

IS Team: Houston Polo Club

IC Team: Texas A&M University

Year in School: Junior

Major: Petroleum

Engineering What I/I means to you: To me, being in I/I means playing the sport I love with people my age who feel the same way. It has always been a dream to play intercollegiate for Texas A&M ever since I first started practicing against them back in interscholastics. Now, with the help of this scholarship, this dream has come true. Thank you to the USPA for this incredible opportunity.

Olivia Reynolds

Westminster, Maryland

IS Team: Garrison Forest School, Maryland Polo Club

IC Team: Texas A&M

University Year in School: Sophomore

Major: Animal Science

What I/I means to you: I began I/I polo at a very early age and I wouldn’t trade my experience for anything in the world. There are three major elements that make the I/I program exceptional to me. First, I/I has given me not only a national family, but a global one. Second, it has also given me the tools to become a better horsewoman. And finally, it has given me the exposure to different professions that are involved in polo and has pushed me to pursue a career as a large animal vet. These three elements combined have shaped me into the person I am today.

Ella Horton

San Clemente, California

IS Team: OC Polo Club

IC Team: University of Idaho

Year in School: Freshman- University of Idaho

Major: Animal and Veterinary Sciences

What I/I means to you: My favorite part of I/I was the opportunity to ride so many different horses and make long-lasting friendships. I will always cherish my interscholastic years and the people I met. I/I polo helped me grow as a polo player and a person.

Taylor Nackers

Germantown, Wisconsin

IS Team: Hillside Polo Club

IC Team: University of Kentucky

Year in School: Sophomore

Major: Equine Science and Management

What I/I means to you: I/I polo has helped me to develop my skills as a polo player and to build relationships with people across the country who share the same passions as I do!

Elizabeth Leudesdorff

Little Neck, New York

IS Team: Gardnertown Polo Club

IC Team: UCONN

Year in School: Freshman

Major: Animal Science on a pre-vet track

What I/I means to you: I/I means being able to share my passion for polo and horses with an amazing group of people in a fun and competitive manner.

Vlad Tarashansky

Lloyd Harbor, New York

IS Team: Gardnertown Polo Club

IC Team: University of Virginia

Year in School: Freshman

Major: Engineering

What I/I means to you: I am very honored to have received this scholarship. Interscholastic polo has been a major part of my life. This award will allow me to continue my polo journey through university.