PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — A Philadelphia woman is making history in Wellington, Florida, as the first Black woman to play in the prestigious U.S. Open Women’s Polo Championship.
With birds chirping in the background, 25-year-old Shariah Harris beams with pride as she achieves this milestone during Black History Month. She’s been called a trailblazer, which she doesn’t take lightly.
“That is a role that, even if I didn't ask for it, that's what I've stepped into,” she said. “So if that creates opportunities for other women, other young people to do it, then that's something that I have learned and am learning to embrace.”
Harris has been playing polo since she was 12. She was introduced to horses at the age of eight through Work To Ride, a Philly nonprofit that provides equestrian education and training to youth in under-resourced communities. Programs like Work to Ride, she says, are essential.
“I think it creates a big pool that only helps the sport. Without the program I definitely would not be around horses in this environment,” said Harris, whose team represents Work to Ride in the tournament.
When she’s not playing polo, the registered nurse works in the operating room at Lankenau Medical Center. But she’s only getting started and plans to continue to excel and be that trailblazer for those who don’t often see themselves in these elite circles.
“I don't want to be a one-hit wonder. I want to keep this going. I want to play in the Women's Open next year,” she said.
So far, in this tournament, her team has played three matches, winning two. The last match solidified their spot for the semi-finals, which will be played on Thursday.