With a coveted first-round bye secured, graduating seniors Ava Richard, Hanalei Strueli, and Marilyn Bruno took to the arena in one final campaign—leading the Newport Girls Interscholastic Polo Team into the USPA Northeast Regional Championship at the Yale University Polo & Equestrian Center in CT. Across the country, only the top regional teams advance to the Nationals, making a Regional berth not just an opportunity for national ranking, but a clear mark of a season defined by skill, determination, and championship-caliber play.
The team entered the weekend with focus, determination, and a renewed sense of purpose as they faced Yale in a highly anticipated rematch. Just one week prior, Yale had handed Newport an 18–11 loss, but the days in between were defined by extra riding, hard work, and a commitment to regaining rhythm after the winter break. That preparation paid off. From the opening throw-in, Newport played with composure and unity, moving the ball with intention and trusting one another across the field. Clean passing, smart positioning, and a shared offensive effort led to a decisive and well-earned 14–11 victory, with each player contributing to the scoreboard. The match was further elevated by the exceptional horses from both Yale and Kingswood, whose athleticism and responsiveness showcased the true partnership between horse and rider.
Advancing to the Final, Newport faced Kingswood with a trip to Nationals on the line. Kingswood, a young program known for its depth and history of recent success, presented a formidable challenge. Newport met the moment with courage and determination, fighting for every ball and supporting one another through every chukker. While the final score favored Kingswood, it did not reflect the grit, effort, and heart displayed by the Newport side. For the seniors especially, it marked a meaningful final chapter, an opportunity to leave everything on the field for their teammates, their horses, and the program that has shaped them.
What this group accomplished reaches far beyond results. Over the years, these athletes have grown into not only skilled polo players but exceptional horsewomen, earning the trust to ride and care for the Newport ponies with responsibility and respect. Their development has been forged through early mornings, long winter practices, and countless competitive moments, building resilience and lasting friendships along the way.
They leave behind a legacy defined by leadership, sportsmanship, and dedication, setting a standard for future generations of Newport players. A standout moment of the weekend was Ava Richard being named Tournament All Star, a well-deserved honor recognizing her leadership, skill, and impact on the game. While the season concluded just short of Nationals, the influence of this team will continue to shape the program for years to come, a reflection of the pride and perseverance they carried every time they took the field.
On the boys’ side, the Newport Open Interscholastic Polo Team of Gus Reed, Andrew Biafore, and Jair Zenteno continued to build on a remarkable debut season that earned them a direct bye to the USPA Northeast Interscholastic Open Regional, held on February 27–March 1 at Kingswood Polo Club in East Kingston, NH. For a first-year team, securing a place at Regionals without needing to compete in preliminary rounds was a significant achievement and a clear reflection of their rapid development and early success.
Regionals provided a valuable and exciting first tournament experience for Gus and Andrew, who stepped onto a larger stage to face established programs from Greater Niagara and Toronto. Competing against international teams brought a new level of intensity and pace, challenging the boys to adapt quickly, think strategically, and elevate their game. Throughout the weekend, they rose to the occasion, showing resilience, improving with each chukker, and gaining confidence against seasoned opponents.
At the center of the team’s progress was Jair Zenteno, named to the tournament All Stars, who embraced the role of captain with maturity well beyond his years. Leading by example, Jair guided his teammates through the highs and lows of tournament play, helping to organize the team on the field while fostering a sense of unity and trust. His leadership set the tone for a group that, despite its youth, competed with determination and composure.
Equally instrumental to the team’s experience was the support of Kingswood Polo Club, whose outstanding horses and generous hospitality provided the foundation for competitive play at this level. The quality of the mounts allowed the boys to focus on developing their skills and teamwork, while the welcoming environment made their first Regional appearance both memorable and impactful.
While the results on paper tell only part of the story, what this team gained in experience, confidence, and cohesion will carry forward into future seasons. This inaugural campaign laid a strong foundation, and with continued growth, the Newport boys I/I team is poised to become an increasingly competitive presence in the Northeast Interscholastic polo circuit and hopefully the intercollegiate level after that.
