HOBBS, N.M. – With over 30 new student-athletes on the 2017 University of the Southwest women's soccer team, at first it may be difficult to gauge the Lady Mustangs.
 
However, USW head coach Joshua Smith is quick to point out the 2017 campaign will be about growth and becoming a better soccer program.
 
"We have a very young team with only a couple of seniors," said Smith, who begins his second season leading the women's soccer program. "Overall, our goal is to compete and get better every day. We are a talented group, but just lack the experience, which will come in time."
 
The young women reported to camp three weeks ago and Smith is happy with the level of dedication and work that's been displayed.
 
"The girls are working really, really hard and are definitely coachable," added Smith. "The goal of fall camp is to get everyone on the same page. This includes several items, such as learning how to play together and developing our values and team goals. They all hang out off the field and that translates onto the field. They've already displayed a great level of trust."
 
Despite the fact the 2017 Lady Mustangs is inexperienced, Smith is keen on the backline and overall team speed.
 
"Our backline played well in our preseason scrimmages and overall they've had a pretty good camp," said Smith. "When the backline plays well it allows the rest of your team to have confidence and that takes pressure off the team."
 
Alexis Gipson and Nicole Daigle are the lone seniors and have been vocal leaders. The duo was voted team captains by their teammates.
 
"Alexis and Nicole have done a great job and displayed solid leadership," added Smith. "They've shown a sense of urgency and the rest of the team feeds of that. Since this is the last time they will play college soccer, it's nice to see them take advantage of their opportunity."
 
With such a young team, Smith is confident that his Lady Mustangs can qualify for the RRAC tournament.
 
"At the end of the season we want a shot at the conference tournament," Smith said. "It doesn't matter what seed you're in the conference tournament. Once you've qualified anything can happen."
 
Before his young team can think about conference play, Smith wants the Lady Mustangs to get the most out of their non-conference schedule. USW is set to open its season Thursday at Bacone College.
 
"It's going to be nice to play a game that counts," Smith said. "I know the girls are ready and I'm certainly ready to get at it."