I/I Goes International

Elly Schwingel - Michigan State University - ‘20

For the last eight years, the United States Polo to explain the slight differences in rules to help us learn Association (USPA) and the Schools and Universities Polo before our big match. Association (SUPA) of Britain have come together to hold We started our first full day in England by checking an item a match between some of the best collegiate players in off the typical tourist list with a proper English breakfast at their respective countries. The location alternates each a local restaurant. Mealtimes were one of my favorite parts year between the two countries. In 2020, the International of the trip, not only for the fantastic food, but for a moment Intercollegiate Challenge Cup was held on February 8 to stop and really get to know each other and reflect on at Rugby Polo Club in Rugby, England. I was extremely our experiences throughout the trip. The majority of our fortunate, excited, and shocked to have been selected first day was spent exploring Warwick Castle. The castle for the 2020 USPA International Intercollegiate Team. The was packed full of history, which allowed us to keep our USPA was represented by Molly Agee from Point Loma bodies moving and in shape as we climbed over 30 flights Nazerene University, of stairs to the castle Shariah Harris from Cornell University, Fritz Felhaber from Texas A&M “I’ve learned to always push myself outside of my comfort zone and take towers and walked over 10,000 steps touring the inside of the University, and me from advantage of every opportunity that I am castle. We also toured Michigan State University. Amy Fraser also joined presented with and I encourage you all to the Castle dungeon which turned out to be team USA on our trip do the same.” a great team bonding across the pond and was experience after being truly the best mentor, coach, manager, (left-hand side of scared and chased by live actors! After working up an the road) driver, and team mom we could ask for. SUPA appetite, we checked off another essential experience Britain was represented by Tom Coid, Jamie Grayson, and went to a tea house for tea and biscuits. We finished Lolly Stanhope-White and Ben Duckworth. off the day with a practice match that was run just like the The trip began with all USPA team members meeting in game, which gave us the opportunity to ask the umpire Atlanta to fly to London together. Many of us were meeting specific questions, get familiar with the playing style of our each other for the first time and anxiously awaiting the teammates and opponents, and determine which horses adventure ahead of us. After a long flight to London, we were going to play for the game. we drove to Rugby to check out the polo grounds and Our next day in England was game day! We made explore the surrounding towns. We spent a lot of time sure to get plenty of rest the night before and even took throughout the week at the polo grounds, since SUPA a pregame nap as we were all still adjusting to the time Britain’s nationals were going on simultaneously. It was change. We had an easy going and relaxing day while awe-inspiring to see so many young athletes take part in exploring some stores and attractions in the towns nearby. such an obscure sport. There were around 200 teams and That evening we arrived at the grounds a bit anxious but over 600 polo players competing at nationals. Between incredibly excited to represent our country. Similar to U.S. two arenas at Onley Grounds Equestrian Complex, there polo, the arena games were played three-on-three. We were over 50 chukkers played each day throughout the all played three chukkers each, resulting in a four-man week. The English players were so welcoming and willing rotation with a different make-up of players for each

ABOVE: 2020 International Intercollegiate Challenge Cup Champions: USA. Fritz Felhaber (Texas A&M), Elly Schwingel (Michigan State), Shariah Harris (Cornell), and Molly Agee (Point Loma) with USPA I/I Director Amy Fraser and SUPA Sponsor Carol Baker presenting the trophy. BELOW: Shariah Harris on the attack. PC: EmmPix

chukker. Hundreds of SUPA Britain players were there to watch the big game along with our small but mighty cheering crew from the USA. Personally, I have never played in front of a crowd that really had an impact on the game, and the crowd’s high energy and support for both teams led to an extremely intense and competitive game. The SUPA Britain team received two goals on handicap and our starting lineup was composed of Shariah, Molly and me. The female SUPA players were incredibly encouraging and blown away that we were taking the field with three women, as many of them were the only female on

their team or even in their entire polo club. Within a minute of play, we made up the handicap and tied the game. We battled back and forth, and SUPA ended the chukker with a 5-4 lead. Fritz entered the game for the second chukker and Molly rotated out. With a new make-up of players, we took a minute to adjust and find our groove, which allowed SUPA to pull ahead 8-4. By the end of the chukker we were communicating well and were able to add two more points to the board. Shariah sat the third chukker while Molly was eager to get back on the field. We fought hard in the third chukker, but unfortunately were only able to put one point on the board while SUPA brought their lead up to 117. As Shariah took the field again for the final chukker, I took my turn to rotate out. The USA trio quickly found the goal and were able to decrease the deficit. After being awarded a penalty and an incredible two-point shot from Molly, we were back within one goal. Both teams took advantage of each opportunity and seemed to retaliate on each goal scored. After SUPA had some penalty trouble, the game was tied up with 2:20 to go. We took the lead for the first time with a penalty 1 and we were able to secure the lead with another goal from the field. The USPA Intercollegiate Team was crowned Champions of the 2020 International Intercollegiate Challenge Cup, 15-13. We played a very defensive game, adjusted quickly to the four-man rotation, and never let our determination fall. The quick communication and changes in strategy, along with absolutely incredible mounts, proved to be successful for Team USA. Druids Lodge Polo Club supplied us with our string of horses, and Nigel Mercer and Charles Betz provided us with terrific hospitality and the opportunity to play in an exceptionally well-run match. The awards ceremony followed shortly after the game and we were awarded with a crystal trophy and individual medals. Molly Agee was named Most Valuable Player after scoring nine of our 15 goals. The sportsmanship and respect shown throughout the game by both teams was unmatched in any other game I have been a part of. SUPA Britain hosted a player’s dinner after the awards ceremony which allowed players from both teams to get together and really get to know each other and discuss the differences and similarities of polo across two different countries. Our final day was spent in London where we experienced a stereotypical rainy day touring the city. We had the opportunity to go inside the Household Calvary Unit and meet the Queen’s horses! We met a big cuddly gray named Wellesley and learned that he was Prince William’s

favorite horse to ride in the parades. We ended the trip with a final team dinner that allowed us to reflect on our overall experience and celebrate our big win before our departure back to the U.S. The trip was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience for all involved. As someone from a relatively small polo club, playing with some of the top-rated players in the country was an extremely valuable experience. I learned so much in such a short amount of time, not only from their advice and communication throughout the match, but also from just watching them play. When I was sent the application to apply for the team, I did not think it was worth my time to apply. Although my parents met while playing polo at Cornell, I was not exposed to the sport until college. Unfortunately, I tore my ACL and did not even have a chance to start playing until my sophomore year. I decided to pursue a second degree and completed a Bachelor of Science in both Food Science and Packaging Engineering which led to an additional year at Michigan State, and a fourth and final year of polo. Similar to the beginning of my collegiate career, I started my last season with an injury that required surgery on my right hand (of course it was my mallet hand!). I thought there was absolutely no way that I would be chosen since I had been playing less than three years and I was not able to compete during the fall semester. After some encouragement from my parents and coaches, I decided to apply. I was incredibly shocked when I received the phone call to learn that I had been selected. I’ve learned to always push myself outside of my comfort zone and take advantage of every opportunity that I am presented with and I encourage you all to do the same. USPA Intercollegiate/Interscholastic polo is an incredible program that provides so many young athletes with unique experiences and teaches valuable life lessons both on and off the polo field. Not only do I have the USPA to thank for this life changing opportunity, but also each and every individual that has had an impact on my polo journey. All my teammates, opponents, clinicians, coaches, family members, and many more, thank you! A special thank you to my parents, my teammate Stesha, and my brother Michael, for making the trip all the way to England to watch! Paul and Sarah Knapp, you guys are amazing coaches and I will never be able to thank you enough for everything you have done for me throughout my years at Michigan State. Last but certainly not least, Mom and Dad, thank you for introducing me to polo and supporting me every step of the way. Go USA and Go Green!

Last year the I/I Magazine featured Pipa Campbell from Sarasota Polo Club who organized a benefit to raise money to build two wells in a remote village in Zambia. Pipa’s brother, Ian, and their two cousins, Ben and Sophie Corttez, expanded upon Pipa’s work, and decided it would be great to help the villagers use that water source to help them grow more crops. Ian, Ben and Sophie are planning to host a polo benefit at the Sarasota Polo Club to raise funds to purchase and install solar irrigation systems for the village. The solar irrigation systems will allow the people to grow bigger and better crops which will feed more people. Any excess food they grow they will sell to the safari lodges which will give them money to pay for school, clothing and healthcare.