What a Difference a Decade Makes

[Water Pony]

In seeing the latest 2025 commitments from highly sought Southern California talent and in the number, size, and quality of our committed recruits, I have to say we have made amazing progress in recruiting with our competitiveness and quality of recruits , combined with greater national visibility. All our commits had other compelling options and choose SMU.

Only a decade ago, this Board was wringing our hands with our challenges in having top talent consider us. What a journey this has been topped off by our move to the Atlantic Coast Conference. Our teams, athletes, and coaches are to be commended, demonstrating we are worthy of our new peer group.

Within two months we begin playing, running, swimming & diving, rowing, etc. against strong athletic programs, who also raise our national and academic profile.

Pony Up, my fellow Mustangs!

[Charleston Pony]

It's still early. Hopefully we can hold on to the California guys but as their list of offers suggests, it won't be easy. Have to hope our guys have a successful 1st season in the ACC to make recruits believe they are joining a top flight program

[max the wonder dog]

What a difference a year makes.

Last year 247 ranked our recruiting class # 107. A # 32 portal class bumped our overall rank to #57.

At this writing, 247 has our class ranked # 24 with four 4 Stars. Last year we had one 4 Star, not counting portal players.

[Water Pony]

My enthusiasm is for all our now ACC-aligned Varsity Sports, Men and Women.

Our Volleyball just completed an amazing East Coast swing through the ACC. Enfield is quickly assembling what could be a competitive ACC team.

Last year's Women Rowers had a breakout year, and our Track & Field ladies produced some great results too. And, of course, our Men's Swimming & Diving are ranked #18 pre-season this year after a Top Twenty NCAA finish last year.

I imagine our WBB will be more competitive, as our Golf and Tennis Teams, Men & Women, will continue their high levels of performance.

It is great to be a Mustang!

[Charleston Pony]

Just keep winning and SMU becomes that much more attractive to recruits in all sports. Anyone who visits our campus these days has to come away impressed and our marketing affiliation with the City of Dallas speaks for itself