The Cornell men’s polo team secured a place in the 2026 United States Polo Association Division I national championship game after defeating Virginia 19-12 on March 21 at Prestonwood Polo & Country Club in Oak Point, Texas. Cornell will compete against North Texas for the title on Sunday, March 22, with the match set to be broadcast live on USPA Polo Network.
This victory marks Cornell’s first appearance in the Division I national finals since 2011. The team overcame an early deficit by closing the first half with a nine-goal run, leading 11-4 at halftime and maintaining control throughout the second half. Max Sponer led Cornell with eight goals, while Benito Jaramillo-Samper contributed six and Malachi Light added four.
Cornell Big Red Polo participates in NCAA varsity polo, according to the official website. The program is affiliated with both Cornell University and the United States Polo Association for its operations, as reported by the official website.
The team engages in collegiate equestrian competition through NCAA varsity polo under the United States Polo Association, according to information from the official website. The Big Red serves as both mascot and symbol for Cornell’s athletics programs, including polo, as noted by the official website. Based in Ithaca, New York, Cornell Big Red Polo is part of a broader university athletics program focused on equestrian sports according to its official site.
Cornell is seeking its first national title at this level since 2005. The outcome of Sunday’s final will determine whether they can end that championship drought.
