NYTS 2023

Returning for the third consecutive year, the National Youth Tournament Series (NTYS) Girls’ Championship culminated in a matchup between Nebraska Sunset (Sofia Ward, Ava Rose Hinkson, Reagan Leitner, Winifred Branscum) and Electric Charge (Isabelle Brockett, Victoria Picha, Sophia DeAngelis, Madison Jordan) at the picturesque New Bridge Polo & Country Club in Aiken, South Carolina on Sunday, September 17. After a morning of heavy rain, the final was delayed until the afternoon and moved to the impressively dry Field 5. Controlling the match from the outset, Nebraska Sunset dominated the field, quickly scoring three field goals to take the lead in the first half. The ladies in pink never let up and maintained their lead throughout the game, defeating Electric Charge 7-2.5 to win the NYTS Girls’ Championship title.

Displaying the ability to adapt quickly to new challenges, each player’s horsemanship, and skill was further honed by coaches Jesse Bray* (Nebraska Sunset) and Sarah Wiseman (Electric Charge). Both coaches served as advisors to teams in the Girls’ Division and the Open Division, with Wiseman being the first female coach in NYTS history.

Playing a four-chukker match, Nebraska Sunset maintained possession for much of the first half. Dynamic duo Leitner and Branscum were quick to put pink on the scoreboard, both scoring two goals before halftime. Communication proved to be key in Nebraska Sunset’s success.

“If Reagan [Leitner] went up, she would tell me to stay back, and if I went up, I’d tell her to stay back,” explained Branscum. “We had a very dynamic gameplay—they [Electric Charge] couldn’t quite track us down.” Branscum credited her two other teammates, Ward and Hinkson, for playing their part in the team’s strategy. “We had two amazing team players in Sofia and Ava, who just pushed so hard and cleared the way for both of us. We all understood our jobs and none of us were selfish. I think that’s what really won it for us in the end.”

All teams had the opportunity to practice against each other on Thursday, September 14, the day before the semifinals, allowing Nebraska Sunset to study Electric Charge’s strengths and weaknesses. “We noticed that when we initiated defense we had the upper hand,” said Hinkson. “We had to own that position first and always be ahead of the play, thinking and setting ourselves up for the next play.”

“We knew this team had an incredible offense, they scored some amazing goals in their semifinal,” said Leitner. “Our biggest goal was defense first, offense second, and then trusting each other.”

Nebraska Sunset’s strong defensive strategy paid off. Never losing heart, Electric Charge was able to convert two points in the second half but was unable to catch up and watched the pink jerseys pull away with a five goal lead in the final chukker. As the official apparel supplier of the NYTS Championship weekend, U.S. Polo Assn. outfitted players with whites and t-shirts and provided gear bags and watches to the winners. Winifred Branscum was named Most Valuable Player and Reagan Leitner was presented with the Horsemanship Award for her outstanding and consistent demonstration of equine care both on and off the field. Aurora Knox received the Sportsmanship Award for her continued positive attitude, fairness, and support of her peers throughout the tournament.

For part of the Nebraska Sunset team, this was not only the first NYTS win, but their first time qualifying for the championship. “This year I wanted to chill out and have a nice, fun end to my senior year,” said 18-year-old Ward. “Then I got an email that I qualified for the NYTS championship—of course, I was going to go!” Ward, who hails from Hillside Farm Polo Club in Richfield, Wisconsin, started riding in the hunter/jumper discipline with trainer Margie Paur prior to picking up polo. “I don’t come from a polo family, I don’t have horses at my house,” explained Ward. “I did hunter/jumpers for Margie for a long time, and then she needed help at the polo field. I started grooming and it snowballed from there.” Ward credits her interscholastic coach, Paur, for much of her success in the sport. “She’s the whole reason I’m able to play. She introduced me to the sport and supplied horses for me the past five or six years. I’m so grateful for her and couldn’t have done it without her.”

Other teammates were making their second NYTS Championship appearance. Branscum, who won the NYTS Girls’ Championship in 2022 with Electric Charge, returned to repeat history. “I was very fortunate my first year when I played on the Electric Charge team with three amazing girls,” said Branscum. “We started talking once we found out the teams—that’s what I did this year as well. I created a group chat and we started talking to each other and getting to know each other, even talked a little bit of strategy. That’s what really makes the difference.”

Both Branscum and Leitner, who brought their own string of horses to this year’s tournament, noted the advantages of playing their own mounts. “Being able to come in with my own horses was not only an advantage but was very emotional,” told Branscum. “I’m very proud of the four horses I played in the final.” Leitner, an Aiken native, shared a similar sentiment. “It was so special and I’m very thankful that it was here [Aiken, South Carolina] because I really wanted another opportunity to play my own horses and see how they would fare. Having that ability to know your horses is very important—it gave me more confidence to be on my horses, to know their power and their capability.” One of Leitner’s horses, Terca, was named Best Playing Pony after an impressive turnout. “We bought Terca two years ago from Matias Magrini and she’s the best part of my string,” said Leitner. “She’s my solid, my first chukker spare, my starter in the fourth…she’s my rock. I’ve never had a bad chukker on her and I almost always score a goal with her. She’s sturdy and nobody can catch her. She’s so special and I’m super blessed with her.”

This was Leitner’s third and final year playing in the NYTS tournament. The promising 19-year-old player plans to compete in the 8-goal Northrup Knox Cup, which starts next week. “I’m really excited just to travel a bit and hopefully do something in Florida this year.”

For Hinkson, winning the NYTS Championship in her final year was an unmatched experience. “This year was my last year, so I decided to give it a good go and it was the best-case scenario,” said Hinkson, who transitioned to polo from cross-country six years ago. “It was so much fun and I’m so glad we did it. It will definitely be one for the books.”

When asked about any advice to give those considering participating in the NYTS program, Hinkson said: “Do it. Take it seriously but have fun! You’re going to play with a lot of different people and learn so much. This game’s all about adaptability, so when you can go and play on different teams and with different players and with different playing styles, it opens your world up.”

Leitner echoed her teammate’s advice, adding “Absolutely join! It’s not only the opportunity but it’s the friendship. It’s the people you meet, the exposure you get, the connections you make—it’s everything. It’s an incredible opportunity. Absolutely go for it.”

*Jesse Bray is Team USPA alumnus. Team USPA is a program designed to enhance and grow the sport of polo in the United States by identifying young, talented American players and providing mentored training and playing opportunities leading to a pool of higher rated amateur and pro players and the resultant giveback to the sport of polo.

All photos courtesy of ©Kaile Roos.

Assembling top youth talent from across the United States in camaraderie and competition, the finale of the National Youth Tournament Series (NTYS) Championship Cecil Smith Cup on Sunday, September 17, hosted by New Bridge Polo & Country Club in Aiken, South Carolina, featured a clash between Central (Robert Pizarro, Lily Lequerica, Joe Bob Lequerica, Will Mudra) and defending champions Western (Micaela Saracco, Will Schneider, Ryan Kerley*, Piers Bossom). Morning downpours did not dampen the competition which was moved to an afternoon start time. Western’s strong sense of unity combined with potent offensive firepower and disciplined defense resulted in a truly dominant performance to earn their second consecutive Cecil Smith Cup, this time on the east coast.

Facing Eastern (Augustus Grotnik, Malachi Light, Rehan Kumble, Daniel Arnold) in the semifinals on Friday, September 15, Central hit their stride in the second chukker and managed to ride their momentum all the way into the final. In a re-match of last year’s Cecil Smith Cup, Western found their offensive footing in the second half that included a three-goal fourth chukker to overpower Southeast (Finn Secunda*, Harrison Reicher, Joaquin “Pelo” Vilgre La Madrid, Joseph Schwartz) and secure their second consecutive finale appearance.

Kerley’s determination to repeat Western’s reign began with a desire to prove the west coast’s title could be repeated on unfamiliar horses and fields. Earning their previous championship at La Herradura Polo Club (Santa Ynez, California), Kerley and his teammates faced the challenge of acquiring and adjusting to new horses. “Last year we had our own horses, it was on home turf, we knew what was going on. This year, [is] everyone’s chance to prove that last [year] wasn’t because we had our own horses.” Renting from Gabriel Crespo, Kerley commented, “I showed up a week early to get all the horses for me and Mica a little more fine-tuned.”

Acquiring his horses from Pablo Falabella, Bossom shared his journey to becoming champion for the second time. “It feels a lot different because I didn’t have my own horses. I didn’t know the fields that well. That was the main thing, knowing the horses in one practice game, which is a little bit difficult for me. In the last chukker of the semifinal we played a lot better because I started to know the horses better, we all did. We started to know what we had.”

Utilizing her past experiences to embrace the unknown, Saracco added, “From a young age I’ve been taught to ride a lot of different horses every single year, so it’s not really that difficult for me to jump on a horse and go play it. For me it wasn’t an issue: new horses, new fields, I just get on and go play.”

Ranging in ages from 16 to 19, Western’s roster was comprised of four former NYTS competitors, including three champions in Kerley and Bossom (Western, 2022) and Saracco (Electric Charge, 2022), whose prior success in the Girls’ Division seamlessly transferred into the Open. Meeting adversity head-on, Western’s advantage came in the form of their strong bond and quick team chemistry. “I grew up with Mica and Ryan,” stated Bossom. “I’ve known Will for two years, I played NYTS with him in Chicago.” “It was the dream team,” continued Saracco, “It was the first time we have all played together. For me it’s winning with them that means the most.” Also grateful for the opportunity to compete alongside his friends, Bossom added “I’ve enjoyed this whole weekend a ton. Knowing them and then being on the field with them is more fun. You know them, it’s a blast to get to play with your friends.”

Awarding Central one-and-a-half goals on handicap, Western made quick work of eliminating their deficit on back-to-back penalty conversions from Kerley. “We got a great jump, we started strong, kind of knocked them down a bit,” reflected Schneider, “Finishing strong on Friday helped keep the energy, to make up the handicap goals and keep going.” Asserting their dominance in open play, Western hit four of six shots from the field and converted two of three penalty attempts. The red team’s unyielding level of play left Central without a goal in the first half to take a commanding 6-1.5 advantage.

Relaying Western’s purposeful adjustments from their semifinal matchup, Saracco detailed, “One of the first things was to move the ball quickly. In the semifinals we were trying to have too much control, to always have the ball, but it just really gave Southeast time to turn around and catch us. We gave them all the time in the world to come back. Today we turned around quicker, we hit the backshots, we were moving the ball.” Holding Central to only two shots on goal in the first half, Schneider added, “Being tight with the man is huge. That was really emphasised this weekend—stay with the man and the ball will come to you.” Saracco continued, “Central are very strong players and very aggressive, so we couldn’t leave them alone for a second.”

Under the leadership of Coach Jesse Bray*, Bossom assumed control of the number four position for the second time in a NYTS Championship. “I can read the game a lot faster with myself in the back than when I was running forward,” said Bossom, “It gives me more time to hit the ball cleanly one time down the field. It gives me a good watching point to see where everyone’s going and where the next play is going to be.” Elaborating on Western’s strategy, Bossom continued, “I was quicker in transition plays, running from forward to back. The guys up front were really taking their man as well, so it gave them a lot more space for me to hit passes to them.”

Summarizing the success of Western’s seemingly unstoppable first half, Kerley expressed, “What we did today was shown in glimpses on Friday. Today we came out firing. We came out hot. We were hungrier, we wanted it. If we want it, it’s going to be hard for anyone else to take it.”

Maintaining their fervorous momentum to open the second half, Schneider and Kerley added to Western’s lead. Drawing a Penalty 4 in the third chukker, Joe Bob Lequerica scored Central’s first goal of the match, but three more unanswered goals from Schneider only widened Western’s gap. Reaching the goal for the first time from the field, Mudra provided a lift to Central in the latter stages of the fourth, but Western’s unified front and superior command from the first throw-in to the final whistle delivered an outstanding 10-3.5 victory.

Contributing four goals to Western’s victory, including three from the penalty line, Ryan Kerley’s ability to facilitate plays on both sides of the ball earned him the Matthew Cohen Most Valuable Player Award. The Sportsmanship Award was presented to Daniel Arnold for his continued positive attitude, fairness and support for his peers on and off the field, while Micaela Saracco collected the Horsemanship Award for her outstanding and consistent demonstration of riding ability and equine care throughout the weekend.

Best Playing Pony was presented to Harriet, a seven-year-old Quarter Horse played by Will Mudra and owned by Ardum Farm. “She’s not a homebred, but we got her as a yearling and my dad [William “Billy” Mudra] completely broke her from nothing to what she is now,” said Mudra. “I played Harriet at the start of the second and the entire fourth chukker. She’s just a machine through and through […] I’m so glad she got it; she totally deserves it.” Mudra continued, “She does everything I ask. She’s played for my sister [Grace Mudra] and my dad, whoever needs her.” With lots of polo on the horizon for Harriet, Mudra added, “She’s still young, so she has a lot more years ahead of her. She’s going to be playing the 6-goal this fall in Houston.”

Elated to earn his first NYTS Championship, Schneider shared, “It means a lot. I’ve always wanted to be at the finals. I was here a couple of years ago in Chicago and we went to the consolation, so to be able to come back and not just play in the final but win it, that means a lot.” Hailing from Calgary, Alberta, Schneider expressed his pride as the only Canadian to win the Cecil Smith Cup. “It’s nice to see Canada represented. We have lots of players that want to come down here and play but they don’t always get seen as much as players in the States […] It’s great there’s a Canadian on the trophy!”

Growing up attending NYTS Championships and supporting his brother Bayne*, Bossom playfully noted, “My brother didn’t win at NYTS, but I won two in a row, and it feels pretty good over him because he’s the older brother!” Upon returning to California, Bossom will immediately jump back into the 8-goal Regional President’s Cup at Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club (Carpinteria, California).

Next for Kerley is Argentina where he will join Jared Zenni* to further his polo development. “I’m going to play some tournaments, some practices and have a good time,” shared Kerley, “I’ll learn a lot from Jared and whoever else is there. Improve—that’s the main goal.” Expressing the high-level of competition throughout the tournament in his final year of NYTS eligibility, Kerley stated, “Everyone I met last year that came this year showed they are improving, they aren’t plateauing.”

Awarded by his dedication required to reach back-to-back titles, Kerley summarized the honor of competing in NYTS, “This tournament is not a low-level tournament. This is where the kids show they want to play. “It’s right before the next level and they have the chance to prove themselves. I have a lot of fun, that’s a lot of the reason why I came, but it’s a chance to show what you have—it’s no joke.”

*Ryan Kerley and Finn Secunda are Active Team USPA Members. Bayne Bossom is a Graduating Team USPA Member. Jesse Bray and Jared Zenni are Team USPA alumni. Team USPA is a USPA program designed to enhance and grow the sport of polo in the United States by identifying young, talented American players and providing mentored training and playing opportunities leading to a pool of higher rated amateur and pro players and the resultant giveback to the sport of polo.

All photos courtesy of ©Kaile Roos.