Meet the Team of Franklin Polo Academy -
Meet the Team of Franklin Polo Academy -
James Armstrong (Co-Owner, Director of Polo Operations & Instructor)
USPA Certified Polo Instructor (Level 1)
James was born and raised on a farm in South Africa, where he began riding and playing polo under his father’s guidance at the age of ten. At eighteen, he immigrated to the United States to pursue a professional polo career.
Over more than 25 years, James has competed at the highest levels of the sport in the U.S. and internationally, achieving a 6-goal handicap at the peak of his career. Since 1994, he has managed and played on the Riverview Polo Team in Franklin, leading the team to notable victories including two $50,000 USPA International Cup titles, the BMW International Series (South Africa), the Music City Challenge Cup, and Chukkers for Charity. James has competed professionally in South Africa, Spain, and Argentina and currently manages the Nashville Polo Club in Franklin. He co-founded Franklin Polo Academy with fellow professional player Stevie Orthwein, sharing a vision to grow the sport and develop future generations of polo players.
Married to Lexie—an accomplished amateur polo player and artist—James lives on a farm in Williamson County with their three sons. He is also an affiliate broker with Jones Properties, specializing in equestrian properties and residential farms. A founding force behind Chukkers for Charity, James has helped raise over $2 million in support of Saddle Up! and The Rochelle Center.
Steve Orthwein Jr. (Co-Owner & Instructor)
Stevie is a third-generation polo player with deep roots in St. Louis, Missouri, where he first learned the sport on his family’s farm. His early exposure to polo laid the foundation for a distinguished playing career that spans decades and continents. Stevie attended the University of Virginia, competing on the Intercollegiate Polo Team from 1998 to 2002. In his senior year, he helped lead the team to a National Intercollegiate Championship, a milestone achievement that propelled him into professional polo.
In 2003, Stevie relocated to Wellington, Florida, where he began playing professionally and achieved a 4-goal handicap, competing on numerous medium- and high-goal teams. His talent and leadership earned him selection to the United States Polo Team on three occasions, representing the U.S. at the FIP World Championships in 1998, 2005, and 2008. In 2008, Stevie, alongside his father and brother, co-founded Port Mayaca Polo Club in Port Mayaca, Florida. Operating throughout the winter season, the club features ten polo fields and stabling for hundreds of horses, and has become a respected destination within the American polo community. Stevie’s playing career has taken him around the globe, with competitive experience in Mexico, Canada, Argentina, France, Brazil, and Malaysia, further enriching his perspective on the sport. In 2013, he married Margaret Lipman of Nashville, Tennessee. Together, they have a daughter and a son. The family divides their time between Nashville—where Stevie plays with the Nashville Polo Club during the summer months—and Wellington, Florida, during the winter season.
Sammie Uys (Event Coordinator, Marketing Manager, & Instructor)
USPA Certified Polo Instructor (Level 1)
Sammie, a native of Huntington, West Virginia, grew up riding horses across a wide range of disciplines, developing a strong and versatile foundation in equestrian sport. While attending Ohio University, she competed on all three of the university’s intercollegiate equestrian teams—Hunt Seat, Western, and Dressage—demonstrating both skill and adaptability in the saddle. Curiosity led Sammie to schedule her first polo lesson in Lexington, Kentucky, with a group of friends—an experience that immediately sparked a lifelong passion for the sport. One summer quickly became fully immersed in polo, with mornings spent galloping racehorses and afternoons dedicated to learning the game. In December of 2010, Sammie began grooming and training horses for James Armstrong in Florida, marking the beginning of a professional journey deeply rooted in polo.
Over the years, Sammie worked on and off with James while traveling extensively across multiple states and polo clubs. She gained invaluable experience working with professional players, sponsors, and teams, and spent countless hours developing young and green horses. Her broad experience both on and off the field has shaped her well-rounded approach to polo management and instruction. Sammie managed Franklin Polo Academy full-time during its first four years, playing a pivotal role in building the program from the ground up. While she later stepped back to focus on her and her husband’s mechanic business, she remains an integral part of FPA, continuing to assist as needed in event planning, marketing, and select polo instruction. Sammie is passionate about welcoming new audiences to the sport and is dedicated to opening the doors for everyone to experience the excitement and tradition of polo.
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Lisa & Joel Mooney (Event Logistics Coordinator, Official Announcer)
Lisa and Joel’s journey to Franklin, Tennessee began in 2017 with a shared commitment to their daughter, Caroline, and her passion for polo. Caroline became the final player needed to complete Franklin Polo Academy’s inaugural interscholastic polo team, a milestone that set their family on a new path. For several years, Lisa and Joel made the drive from Georgia to Franklin nearly every weekend so Caroline could train and compete alongside her teammates. Recognizing the importance of consistency and community, Lisa ultimately accepted a position in Tennessee, allowing the family to relocate full-time and enabling Caroline to be fully immersed in team practices and development.
In 2022, Lisa officially joined Franklin Polo Academy, working alongside James and Sammie to support event coordination, advertising, and overall guest experience. With a strong background in hospitality and event management, Lisa plays a key role in ensuring each FPA event is thoughtfully executed and welcoming for patrons, sponsors, and players alike. Having previously announced polo matches in Georgia at Chukkar Farm Polo Club, Joel’s transition into the role of Franklin Polo Academy’s official announcer was a natural fit. Joel brings energy, insight, and professionalism to all public events. In addition to his role with FPA, he is a local high school art teacher and brings a rich sports background as a former athletic director and coach—experience that enhances his ability to connect with audiences and elevate the match-day atmosphere.