If the Mustangs can claim one tradition in recent years, it is one of continued improvement and growth.

The Mustangs, part of the Lone Star Alliance Division of the Men’s Collegiate Lacrosse Association, set a club record for wins two years ago when they went 11-3.

The team then broke its own record last year with a 12-4 mark, including 6-0 against division opponents.

While returning many of last year’s starters, the team made one key addition in the off-season – new head coach Alex Poole.

A former standout midfielder at the University of Maryland, Poole was named head coach in August after spending five years as coach and offensive coordinator at the Episcopal School of Dallas. There, he led the Eagles to three state championship games.

“He is the undisputed best lacrosse mind in North Texas,” said junior goalie Spencer Brown. “He is well-known throughout the youth programs and has an amazing ability to relate with players and parents of all ages and skill level.”

He inherits an SMU team that has already garnered national attention for its sudden rise to prominence.

Led by a talented group of upperclassmen, the Mustangs placed third in the LSA preseason polls behind nationally ranked Texas A&M (No. 17) and the University of Texas (No. 22).

Senior attack Taylor Manning and junior midfielder Tolar Hamblen have proven themselves as a dangerous offensive tandem in the LSA.

Manning led the team with 24 goals last year, and Hamblen ranked second with 20.

“Our offense runs through them,” said Brown, though he acknowledged Manning and Hamblen aren’t the only scoring threats on the team.

Senior midfielder Andrew Monaco has been among the team leaders in assists since 2006. Junior Riker Vermilye, a transfer student from McLean, VA, will also contribute at midfield.