Scholarships & Awards
If you are interested in any of the below scholarships and have questions about applying, please contact Jenny at jenny@vapolo.org.
Austin Burdick Memorial Polo Scholarship
Austin was a member of the polo club throughout his time at UVA, class of 2014, where he studied biology. He was first introduced to polo at the age of thirteen and played at multiple sites along the east coast, competing in both arena and outdoor USPA tournaments with his father and twin brother.
The Austin Burdick Memorial Polo Scholarship is available to University of Virginia students who are members in good standing of the Virginia Polo Club and who participate on either the club or varsity teams. Recipients should maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5, as well as demonstrate merit, good sportsmanship and excellent integrity. Although not required, it is preferred the recipient also exhibit generosity and good humor.
The award is to be made annually and is non-renewable but the same student may receive the scholarship in multiple and/or consecutive years.
Questions and completed applications can be sent to jenny@vapolo.org.
Vere Nicoll Scholarship
Raymond Vere Nicoll was a young man who loved polo and whose life was suddenly cut short by a terrible car accident. In 1975, friends and family of Raymond established a fund in his honor to provide a means for others to enjoy the polo while at the University of Virginia.
The Nicoll Fund can be used as financial aid for members of Virginia Polo who demonstrate need, for fixed capital improvements to the polo facility with credit going to the Fund, and as a means of keeping the membership dues for all to a minimum. However, the primary purpose of the Fund is to provide financial assistance to individual polo club members. The Nicoll Fund is available to students who are academically qualified, demonstrate an ability and interest in polo, and whose character and industry are proven. Decisions regarding financial assistance are made on a case-by-case basis by the Board of Directors of the Raymond Bruce Vere Nicoll Scholarship Fund.
To learn more and view the application, click the button below.
Forbes Beginner Polo Award
Click the button below to apply. Questions and applications can be sent to jenny@vapolo.org.
After becoming passionate about horses and riding while in Charlottesville, but with no equestrian experience whatsoever, David Forbes decided to get serious about polo the summer before his fourth year. During that summer, David worked three days a week as a stable-hand/groom while also interning at a law firm. At the barn, David worked hard and learned a lot about horses, their care, and running a spotless barn. With a used pair of boots and a polo helmet given to him, David joined Virginia Polo and made the Junior Varsity team his fourth year. Polo was the most exciting sport he had ever played, and his year revolved around it. David made very good friends and truly appreciated the experience offered to him by Virginia Polo and the Alumni that support it. It truly changed his life, and he would like to help other students enjoy the same experience.
The Forbes Beginner Polo Award was created to assist students who are new to polo and have financial need. Please submit your application at the beginning of each semester.
Forbes Award Recipients
Mackenzie Craig 2022
Katy Owens 2022
Katie Define 2019
Henry Bonner, 2011-12
Katie Becker, 2010-11
Savannah Barry, 2009-10