NEWS

Jim Whisenand presented Felipe Viana with the $10,000 Equus & Co. award this past Sunday, March 26, at the USPA Gold Cup^® Final held at the International Polo Club Palm Beach in Wellington, Florida. The Team USPA Equus & Co. Award was created in 2011 with the incredible support and generosity of Jim Whisenand and Equus & Co. Equus & Co. is the private advisor to the global equestrian community, providing effective access to global polo and the polo lifestyle with authenticity and credibility. The award honors a Team USPA player who best exemplifies the program’s principles by demonstrating outstanding leadership and commitment to growing the sport of polo. “You are the future of the sport. The more you give back, the better the sport will become,” said Whisenand who recognizes the hard work and dedication these young players have for the sport. “We appreciate your commitment to growing the sport and to competing at the highest levels. The Team USPA Program is, in my view, one of the most important USPA Programs. It identifies and supports the future American professional players which is critical to the future of United States polo,” Whisenand continued.

Viana joined Team USPA in 2011 and currently holds a 5-goal handicap. During his time as a student at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, Virginia, Viana quickly transitioned from playing grass polo to learning the intricacies of the arena. Shortly after graduation, Viana began his successful high-goal grass career in the United States competing for Orchard Hill and Valiente at the 20-goal level.

In addition to his high-goal accomplishments, he captained the U.S. team to a silver medal in the 2015 F.I.P. World Championship in Santiago, Chile. Viana understands the dedication necessary to succeed in polo. He selflessly gives back to the sport by helping young up-and-coming players. Last summer, Viana coached the Zone 1 National Youth Tournament Series Championship team and continues to support the local clubs where he plays. He is always eager to participate in Team USPA events. Viana exemplifies what it means to be a Team USPA member and is an excellent role model for younger players. Following the presentation, Viana thanked Team USPA for nominating him for the award, “It is an honor to be recognized for the Equus & Co. award. I would like to thank Jim Whisenand and Team USPA for supporting young players who are pursuing a career in polo.

Geronimo Obregon and Branden Van Loon were also nominated for the award and were recognized during the presentation. Obregon was selected for Team USPA in 2016. He currently holds a 4-goal handicap. Obregon has been a valuable member of Team USPA from the minute he was selected. He regularly assists with local youth clinics and tournaments. For the past two summers, Obregon has played in Santa Barbara, California, and continues to excel in tournament polo. Van Loon is a perfect example of the industry professional track of Team USPA. After graduating from Cornell University where he competed in the Intercollegiate/Interscholastic Program, Van Loon spent over a year mentoring through Team USPA opportunities. He is now the Head Coach at Yale Polo Club in Bethany, Connecticut, and has obtained his Certified Polo Instructor certification. Van Loon’s love of teaching and coaching polo has made a enormous impact on polo in the Northeast.

Team USPA continues to be instrumental in encouraging USPA programs and events that will develop American players and teams to the fullest measure of excellence by providing mentored training opportunities to its members. There are currently 41 active members of Team USPA who have been identified as the most dedicated players who truly represent what it means to be a member of Team USPA.