2022 Division I Men's National Intercollegiate Champions Jack McLean, Parker Pearce, Brennan Wells, Connor Finemore, Vlad Tarashansky, and Jim Deal with Coach Lou Lopez. ©Oana Moore
The Virginia Polo Board of Directors announced today that longtime head coach and general manager Lou Lopez will retire at the conclusion of the intercollegiate season in spring 2026, closing a remarkable 22-year career defined by leadership, dedication, and a lasting impact on the program. Under Lopez’s guidance, the University of Virginia men’s and women’s polo teams captured 12 national intercollegiate championships, beginning with his first season in 2003-04. His career has been defined not only by on-field success but by an unwavering commitment to developing student-athletes and strengthening Virginia Polo into one of the nation’s top collegiate programs.
As his retirement approaches, Lopez shared, “I will certainly miss the daily interaction with such a highly motivated group of young men and women who not only develop their skills on the polo field but also gain invaluable leadership skills that serve them well beyond college. I’m grateful for the memories and looking forward to spending more time with my family—my wife Ellen, our three children, daughters-in-law, and five grandchildren.”
2024 Division I Women's National Intercollegiate Champions Mackenzie Craig, Alana Benz, Lea Jih-Vieira, Pippa Harris, and Hannah Thomas with Coach Lou Lopez. ©Oana Moore
During his tenure, University of Virginia polo players have earned 10 Polo Training Foundation (PTF) Intercollegiate Player of the Year awards, nine Connie Upchurch Memorial Sportsmanship awards, five men’s national intercollegiate championships, and seven women’s national intercollegiate championship titles.
Lopez’s own achievements have also been widely recognized. He was the inaugural recipient of the United States Polo Association’s Intercollegiate/Interscholastic (I/I) Service Award in 2021, honoring members who go above and beyond to support youth and I/I polo. In 2024, he received the Harriman Cup Award, presented for leadership and contributions to the world of polo, alongside other event founders, at the 40th annual Virginia Polo vs. Yale Polo alumni match. Most recently, he was presented with the USPA’s Russ Sheldon Award during the FIP Arena World Polo Championship final, recognizing outstanding contributions to arena polo.
Lou Lopez receiving the USPA’s I/I Service award in 2021, presented by Billy Matheson and Liz Brayboy
“There have been so many wonderful moments and milestones over the years during my career at Virginia Polo,” reflected Lopez. “What means the most is hearing from former players, when they call or text just to say hello and share how they are doing. That connection means a great deal to me. As for milestones, I’m proud of every facility improvement that enhanced the Virginia Polo experience.”
Lopez served as a coaches’ representative for intercollegiate polo on the national USPA committee, helping shape the direction of the sport. He was also instrumental in the creation of Division II, broadening competitive opportunities for developing programs. “He really picked up the reins after Clyde Wadell’s passing to champion the creation of Division II,” said USPA I/I Tournament Manager Emily Dewey, “a change that allows for more teams to compete on a national stage.”
Contributing to the sport beyond UVA players, Lopez also championed the USPA Women’s Arena Open, first held at the Virginia Polo Center in 2016 as the Women’s Arena Challenge Cup. The tournament milestone helped establish women’s arena handicaps, a defining moment in the evolution of women’s polo.
2021 USPA Women's Arena Open Champions Ace Sportswear players Ingrid Donnan, Demitra Hajimihalis, Anna Winslow-Palacios with trophy presented by Lou Lopez. ©Oana Moore
Lopez also frequently volunteered his time to support emerging programs at the University of Richmond, Virginia Tech, and Washington and Lee University, providing horses, facilities and instruction to help them grow.
A Long Island native, Lopez discovered polo as a high school student through a Polo Training Foundation clinic at Meadowbrook Polo Club. He went on to play at Colorado State University, where he helped found the school’s polo club. Before joining Virginia Polo, he taught high school in Connecticut, coached the Yale University polo team, and managed the Yale Polo and Equestrian Center.
“I have been very fortunate to work with a strong and supportive board of directors,” Lopez said. “Together we have made the University of Virginia the school of choice for academically inclined polo players all over the world, from Asia to Europe to South America.”
Lou Lopez coaching Merrall Echezarreta at the 2016 Men’s National Intercollegiate Championship held at the Cornell University arena © United States Polo Association
The board extends its gratitude for Lopez’s decades of service, recognizing the countless ways he has shaped the program and its players. His legacy of sportsmanship, mentorship, and competitive excellence will continue to guide Virginia Polo for years to come.
The Virginia Polo Board of Directors will oversee the transition and begin the search for a new head coach and general manager. The new coach will join Assistant Coach and Barn Manager Abbie Grant, Director of Development and Communications Jenny Germroth, and a talented roster of student-athletes dedicated to continuing the Virginia Polo legacy.
