South Elite

Mad Dog South Elite will serve as the premier platform for the top Texas players - drawing from Stangs, and Texas nationals, as well as other top South region players, to compete at the highest level events. This new identity reflects our commitment to showcasing elite talent and delivering the best possible product on the field.

As Mad Dog South Elite, we will attend one to two high-level events. host two to three training camps, and hold pre-event practices each season. This provides the top players with opportunities to compete with and against the highest level competition regionally and nationally. This initiative also serves as an additonal tool for our National evaluations, while offering top-level coaching, player development, and recruiting guidance.

Together with Stangs, Texas Nationals and the entire Mad Dog family, we are uniting our strengths to create the most powerful platform for Texas and Southern US lacrosse.

Player Development

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Interested in Playing for Mad Dog South Elite?

Whether you’re new to lacrosse or ready to compete at the next level, Mad Dog Lacrosse is always looking for talented, driven athletes to join our program. With regional and national teams, elite coaching, and a proven development model, we help players grow both on and off the field. Fill out the interest form below to take the first step toward becoming part of the Mad Dog family.

Player Interest form

South elite : Directors

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Derek Dejoe

Stangs Austin Director • South Elite

Derek Dejoe

Coach DeJoe grew up in Western New York playing for Section V powerhouse, Fairport High School. In his 4-year Varsity career he earned:

– USA Lacrosse All-American
– First Team All-Conference
– Ranked no. 21 Inside Lacrosse Midfielder in 2012 Class
– Voted Team Captain by his peers and helped lead Fairport to win Section V titles in 2010 and 2012
– 138 points in his high school career
– Empire State Games 2010
– Adidas All American – Team USA

DeJoe played his college lacrosse for Syracuse University, where he recorded 45 points (30g, 15a) as a starting midfielder

– 2013 NCAA Runner up Champions
– 2013 Big East Conference Champions
– 2015 & 16 Back-to-back (ACC) Atlantic Coast Conference Champions
– 4 Years on Student Athlete Advisory Committee Team Rep. and Syracuse Vice President bridging athletes, coaches & ACC Administrators

Post College:
Professional MLL Player for Rochester Rattlers & Ohio Machine: 2017 MLL Champions – Ohio Machine

DeJoe has coached some of the top youth and High school programs in Dallas, Houston and Austin.

High school Varsity Coaching Career:
– 2019 THSLL South Division 1 Assistant Coach of the Year
– 2022 DeJoe Lead Lake Travis HS to a Class A State Championship
– 2024 Lead Lake Travis to #6 in the State
– 2024 USA Lacrosse Coach of the Year – Texas

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Black Skinner

Stangs San Antonio Director • South Elite

Black Skinner

Coaching Background

TMI Episcopal Head Coach: 10 years

– x3 District Coach of the Year

– 2022 USA Lacrosse Central Texas Coach of the Year

– x2 District Assistant Coach of the Year

– 2016 San Antonio Person of the Year

– 2x State Champion

– Mission Lacrosse Club Director for 12 years

Playing Background

Roanoke College

Episcopal School of Dallas- 2002 State Champion

Quote

I am incredibly excited to be working with Mad Dog and Stangs Lacrosse to continue the evolution of South Texas lacrosse. The San Antonio lacrosse community has taken huge strides over the past several years and this partnership will allow our players to train locally and still have opportunities to compete at highest levels.

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Matt Kutzer

Stangs Dallas Director • South Elite

Matt Kutzer

Coaching Experience:

Boys Youth Program Director & Varsity Assistant Coach, Episcopal School of Dallas
- Coached ESD JV and MS teams to undefeated seasons
Coach, TNT Arrowheads (2030, 2032) – Dallas Club Lacrosse (Since 2020)
Conducted Independent Skills Development Programs
Coach, The Next Level Lacrosse (Dallas)
Club Coach, Syracuse, NY (2013-2020)
- Helped develop players advancing to NCAA D1, D2, and D3

Playing Experience:

Fayetteville Manlius High School (Syracuse, NY)
- Three Varsity Seasons
Club Experience: Upstate Lacrosse Club & Tri-State Lacrosse Club
College Soccer:
- University of Albany (D1)
- SUNY Cortland (D3)
- Two-Time College Soccer Captain

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Ryan Horsch

Houston Stangs Director • South Elite

Ryan Horsch

Coaching Experience:

Assistant Coach, Monmouth University (2015-2017)
- Secured MAAC Championship
- Coached in the NCAA Tournament
Head Coach, Brookdale Community College (2017-2018)
NJ Director, Mad Dog Lacrosse (2018-2019)
LA Director, Mad Dog Lacrosse (2019-2023)
Defensive Coordinator & Head Coach, Palos Verdes High School
- Named Bay League Head Coach of the Year (2022)
Defensive Coordinator, Culver Military Academy (2023)
- Helped achieve #8 National Ranking
Program Director & Head Coach, St. John’s School (Houston)
- A-South Coach of the Year in the first season

Playing Experience:

Played Division 1 lacrosse at Monmouth University
Team Captain (2 seasons)
Earned All-MAAC Honors
Named to the All-MAAC Tournament Team
Team MVP

Trusted by Parents.
Proven by Players.

Our son is happy to be part of this program. The coaches give constructive feedback to help improve his game, as do the other regional coaches. He looks forward to going to practice. The tournaments are fun because the boys have a good team bond. We love the clear and timely communication from the coaches and staff, and the way the coaches build his confidence and give him opportunities that help him with his goal of playing at a higher level. Roll Stangs!

Mad Dog Stangs Elite Parent

This was my son's first experience playing for a multi-city team. He learned and grew not only from the coaching but from the talent he played alongside. The coaches were passionate, knowledgeable, demanding (in a good way) and supportive of all the kids. I would recommend the Stangs elite program to any players looking to elevate their game.

Mad Dog Stangs Elite Parent

I would highly recommend Stangs to players and families. The organization of the program is the best we've experienced and the coaching is top notch. My son learned a ton both on and off the field.

Mad Dog Stangs Elite Parent

I can’t say enough about the Stangs and Mad Dog experience so far. Amazing coaches who provide a positive learning environment, great boys, and great families. Can’t wait to see what the future holds for this club.

Mad Dog Stangs Elite Parent

Commits & Alumni

Our program proudly celebrates its alumni, whose dedication has led them to collegiate and professional success, inspiring the next generation to follow in their footsteps.

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