During Black History Month, a significant moment unfolded after a 25-year-old nurse made history by becoming the first Black woman to compete in the U.S. Women’s Polo Championship.

Raised by a single mother, Shariah Harris was given the opportunity to ride through a nonprofit initiative at just 8 years old.

The program was dedicated to imparting polo skills to children from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

KPRC 2′S BLACK HISTORY MONTH COVERAGE

“It taught me how to mature quickly because I was either the only girl, or when I left my team in high school to play in college, I was the only Black person, period,” Harris said.

And not just any college. Harris secured a Polo scholarship to Cornell University.

Today, she stands as a testament to perseverance, having etched her name as the first Black woman to compete in the U.S. Women’s Polo Championship.