Coach Lou Lopez was presented with the United States Polo Association’s Russ Sheldon Award following the trophy ceremony at the 2025 FIP Arena Polo World Championship at Roseland Polo Club.
Governor-at-Large Robin Sanchez presents the 2025 Russ Sheldon Award to Coach Lou Lopez. © Oana Moore
The United States Polo Association (USPA) presents the Russ Sheldon Award each year to one USPA member who has “made outstanding contributions to the sport of arena polo.” This year their selection was Virginia Polo’s longtime coach Lou Lopez. The honor was amplified by presenting the award following the FIP Arena World Cup Final at Roseland Polo Club in Crozet, Virginia.
UVA Alumni & students with Coach Lopez at the FIP award ceremony © Oana Moore
Lopez’s involvement in arena polo at the intercollegiate level has spanned over 22 years during his career at the Virginia Polo program. While in this role he not only managed the Virginia Polo Center for the benefit of UVA polo players, but also hosted a range of I/I tournaments, Women’s Arena Open tournaments, interscholastic clinics, and regional tournaments for D2 teams. He also helped other fledging intercollegiate polo programs such as Virginia Tech, University of Richmond, and Washington & Lee, by inviting the players to come for lessons and clinics and providing Va Polo ponies.
Read more about Lopez’s substantial career achievements and contributions to arena polo at: THANK YOU COACH: LOU LOPEZ RETIRES AFTER MORE THAN TWO DECADES AT VIRGINIA POLO.
Congratulations Coach!