The Virginia Polo men’s and women’s teams traveled to Prestonwood Polo Club in Oak Point, Texas to compete in the Division I National Intercollegiate Championship tournament March 16-22.

The tournament was the culmination of a year of hard work and rebuilding for the young teams. Though Nationals was just outside Dallas this year, Virginia Polo alumni from Virginia flocked to the club to support and cheer on the teams. We are all so appreciative of their enthusiasm for the program and their support of our student athletes.

Thursday DI Women’s Semi Finals

The 2026 Women’s team: Rory Knox, Nora Gaudion, Augusta Halle, Kelsey Bray, Hanan Fadil, and Mackenzie Craig.

The tournament began for the UVa teams on Thursday with the women’s semi final game against longtime top opponent Texas A&M.

We fielded a team of Hanan Fadil, Mackenzie Craig, and Kelsey Bray against A&M’s Josie Dorsey, Jordan Fikes, and Francesca Felhaber. The UVa women held their own throughout the first five chukkers in a tight game of back and forth for the leading score.

Kelsey Bray hits the ball away towards the UVa goal. Photo by Oana Moore.

Their momentum was not lost until near the start of the 6th chukker when A&M turned the tides with a 2-point goal out of the line up starting a run of goals that would ultimately seal their win.

Despite our team’s effort, A&M ended the game victorious, with a score of 17 to UVa’s 13. The loss was a disappointment to the UVa women who’d put in countless hours of preparation for this game and hope is high for a strong comeback next year.

USPA’s Emily Dewey with UVA’s Kelsey Bray, USPA’s Amy Fraser, Cornell’s Benito Jaramillo, and USPA’s Ali Davidge with the Horsemanship Trophy and Award saddles. Photo by Oana Moore.

UVa player Kelsey Bray was selected for the Horsemanship Award (for the second year in a row!) and also as an All Star. Congratulations Kelsey!

Friday DI Men’s Semi Finals

The 2026 Men’s team: Brian Salmon, Mak Mourad, Iago Masias, Wil Ballhaus, and Samuel Jaramillo. Photo by Oana Moore.

Friday the action began for the UVa men’s team with the semi final game against Cornell. UVa’s captain fourth year Makhdum Mourad led players Iago Masias, and Wil Ballhaus onto the field, and later in the game first year Samuel Jaramillo took to the arena for UVa as well. In a brother against brother match up, Cornell senior Benito Jarmillo captained his team of Malachi Light and Max Sponer.

Brothers Benito and Samuel with their father Benito Jaramillo. Photo by Oana Moore.

Despite earlier season victories over the Cornell team, the UVa men were not able to hold back Big Red, and Cornell ended the match victorious with a score of 19 to UVa’s 12.

Men’s Captain Mak Mourad turns the ball. Photo by Oana Moore.

Alumni Tailgates

Ellen Lopez with alumni Cecilia Steel, Jenny Germroth, Melissa Henderson Raezer, Rob Rinehart, and Peter Henderson at the men’s semi finals.

Throughout the UVa games an enthusiastic group of Virginia Polo alumni and players’ parents cheered the teams on and enjoyed the opportunity to revisit the thrill of collegiate polo at our tailgate and bleachers spot.

Regardless of score and result, we were happy to have a chance to gather devoted alumni and all be a part of the energy and dedication of college polo again.