A concurrent RESOLUTION

TO CONGRATULATE THE MEMBERS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA AIKEN WOMEN'S POLO TEAM ON A STELLAR SEASON AND TO CELEBRATE THEIR WIN OF THE 2026 USPA DIVISION I NATIONAL INTERCOLLEGIATE CHAMPIONSHIP TOURNAMENT.

Whereas, on March 22, 2026, the University of South Carolina Aiken (USCA) women's polo team was crowned national champion at the 2026 USPA Division I National Intercollegiate Championship Tournament. It was an exhilarating finish to the team's first undefeated season in history; and

Whereas, currently ranked No. 1 in the nation out of thirty-five universities, the USCA Pacers defeated Texas A&M University 15-6 in the course of earning the crown; and

Whereas, since 2022, USCA polo has been playing in the top DI level of all collegiate teams. While a polo club can have any number of members, the actual team is composed of three players. For USCA, the players are Brianna Jordan, club president; Madison Jordan, Brianna's twin sister and team captain; and Winnie Branscum, vice president. All three have played in the U.S. Polo Association's National Youth Tournament Series; and

Whereas, USCA players Branscum and M. Jordan were noted as tournament All-Stars, and Branscum also was awarded Best Playing Pony. In addition, Branscum's horses were among those elected as Best Playing String; and

Whereas, Coach Parker Scott, drawing on his own talents and expertise, forged a championship polo team that refused to settle for second best. Through rigorous practices and demanding drills, Coach Scott set a standard of excellence and instilled a depth of character that will remain invaluable in the lives of these athletes; and

Whereas, grateful for the pride and recognition the members of the USCA women's polo team have brought to their school and the Palmetto State, the General Assembly looks forward to hearing of the team's continued accomplishments in the years to come. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:

That the members of the South Carolina General Assembly, by this resolution, congratulate the members of the University of South Carolina Aiken women's polo team on a stellar season and celebrate their win of the 2026 USPA Division I National Intercollegiate Championship Tournament.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to President Michael Amiridis of the University of South Carolina, Chancellor Daniel J. Heimmermann of USC Aiken, and Coach Parker Scott of USC Aiken.

----XX---