Mar. 24—AIKEN — This year marks the 50th anniversary of women’s intercollegiate polo.
USC Aiken women’s polo coach Parker Scott said that made the team’s victory at the USPA Division I National Interscholastic Championships even more special.
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The team is currently ranked No. 1 in the country among about 35 universities in the United States and won the championship after defeating Texas A&M University 15-6 on March 22.
The win marked the first time in USCA history that the women’s polo team went undefeated in a season.
“The team played great polo this week, first against Cornell and today against Texas A&M,” he said after the win.
Scott said that the three players have a high technical level and a high understanding of the game, and their playing styles complement each other. “Today’s championship game against A&M was a masterclass of teamwork and talented, disciplined, clean and open polo.”
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“All three ladies played under the lights and showcased their talents to the polo world,” he added. “It was a dominant performance. I’m very proud of them.”
Since 2022, USCA Polo has been playing at the top D1 level among all college teams.
While a polo club can have any number of members, an actual team consists of three players. They are club president Brianna Jordan, her twin sister and team captain Madison Jordan and vice president Winnie Branscombe.
All three have competed in the U.S. Polo Association’s National Junior Championship Series. The Jordan twins both won national championships at the high school level, and Branscomb comes from a polo family.
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During the game, Branscomb and Madison Jordan were named game All-Stars, and Branscomb was awarded the Best Play Pony Award. Her horse was also one of the horses selected as the best performing horse.
Scott talked about USCA and the community’s support for the team.
“It takes a small village to succeed in such a demanding sport, so as far as the team is concerned, we are extremely grateful to the United States Polo Association, our financial backers, the enthusiastic support of those who attend our practice sessions, and the beautiful Newbridge Polo Club for the use of their arena,” he said.
The win brings extra excitement to the upcoming Pacers and Polo events, which serve as the finals of the Aiken Triple Crown. The game between the Pacers and the Polo Team will be held on Saturday, March 28.