University of North Texas 
The University of North Texas Polo team once again proves what’s possible with discipline and a commitment to excellence. The team captured its third U.S. Polo Association Division I National Collegiate Championship, beating Cornell 15-13.
The championship meant more than a win, more than a trophy. It was the result of months of hard work, early mornings, long practices and trust built between teammates.
Listen to Johann and Alec share their UNT Polo experience in our most recent Inside Swoop podcast, where they discuss the game, training, leadership and successfully balancing academics, wellness and student involvement.
A Season to Remember
UNT Polo is a club sport through the university’s Recreational Sports program. Started in 2018 by Vaughn Miller Sr., a UNT parent and father and coach to former UNT Polo players, the team has been consistently competitive. It won the national championship in 2023 and 2024, and advanced to the semifinals in 2025.
From start to finish, this season showcased what makes the team special. Each player brought consistency, resilience and composure to every competition, demonstrating skill and a deep respect for the game and for one another.
“That's definitely one of the key points for this year's game,” says Johann F., team co-captain. “What helped us succeed the most was the brotherhood and the chemistry that we had together. We always say we're just a band of brothers.”
Earning the Win
Over the course of the season, their days were filled with practice and academics. They came to school each day and then spent hours training at the polo club, all while keeping up with schoolwork and responsibilities at home. Team members stepped up and together committed to practicing five or six days a week, often putting in five to six hours of training each day.
Winning another national title wasn’t a single moment; rather, it was earned through steady effort, shared accountability, and belief in the process.
“It honestly means everything,” Johann explains. “UNT could have been like a one-hit-wonder with their first set of players, but to be able to come back and do it with a whole different team and with whole different players shows that it's more than just a one-time thing.”
The team includes Johann and his cousin Niklaus, both co-captains, as well as Mosiah, Sebastian and Alec, Johann’s brother. This was the third championship win for Niklaus.
“I think the chemistry has been awesome between all of us,” Alec adds. “You know, it's different coming into a university…you meet somebody on your team, and their brand new. With Mosiah and Sebastian, we just instantly clicked. Once we started playing together, it was like we'd been playing with each other for the past ten years.”
Building Something Bigger
UNT Polo continues to grow in success, and in vision. Each season adds to a foundation rooted in teamwork and pride in representing the university at the highest level.
“It’s a growing organization and a growing club with elite athletes and students wanting to come down here to join our program and join our team,” Johann says.
The program has built international recognition, attracting students not only from the United States but also from countries like Mexico, Spain and Zambia. Students are increasingly drawn to UNT because of the success and visibility of the UNT Polo club sports team.
At the same time, UNT Polo makes a point of welcoming students at every stage, including those who have never picked up a mallet before.
“The good thing about UNT is that it actually is probably the most accessible polo club out of all colleges in the United States,” he says. “UNT offers more polo for all levels of polo…from just starting beginners to almost the professional level.”
UNT Polo competes with men’s and women’s teams, and a co-ed mixed team. Many players began simply by visiting the Prestonwood Polo facility, home to the club, to see what the sport was all about. Instruction is tailored to skill level, with access to horses suited for beginners through advanced riders. Instead of feeling intimidating, the program emphasizes fundamentals and confidence-building, making polo approachable for newcomers.
“They really know how to bring people into it,” Johann adds.
Mean Green Pride
UNT Polo’s win belongs not only to the players, but also to the coaches, supporters and campus partners who make the program possible. It’s a win for everyone who believes in the power of student involvement and pursuit of excellence beyond the classroom.
Congratulations to the team on another incredible season and a historic victory. You’ve made the Mean Green community proud.
About Recreational Sports
UNT’s Recreational Sports offers an array of opportunities including fitness and wellness programs, intramural sports, sport clubs, outdoor pursuits, aquatics, and esports, all centered at the Pohl Recreation Center and affiliated facilities. Recreational Sports oversees 30+ sport clubs, which are student-led organizations that compete locally, regionally and nationally while fostering teamwork, leadership development, and school spirit. Recreational Sports is a department within the Division of Student Affairs.
Banner Photo courtesy of UNT Polo.