Mercyhurst welcomes back familiar face to lead Women’s Basketball in D1 era

Mercyhurst University has officially named Erin Mills-Reid as the new head coach of the Women’s Basketball program—marking a full-circle moment nearly two decades in the making.
 
Mills-Reid, who began her coaching career as an assistant at Mercyhurst during the 2006-2007 season, returns to Erie with over 15 years of experience across Division I programs and a record of building success at every stop. This appointment marks her first head coaching role.
 
“Erin’s journey through Division I basketball has been extraordinary, but what makes today truly special is the full-circle moment it represents,” said Athletic Director Joe Spano. “Her return to Mercyhurst marks the beginning of an exciting new era for our Women’s Basketball program—one built on tradition, vision, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.”
 
A native of Wilmington, Delaware, Mills-Reid graduated from Fairleigh Dickinson University (FDU) in 2005 with a bachelor’s degree in history and added a master’s degree in education the following year. A two-sport athlete, she was a four-year letter winner in basketball and played centerfield for the FDU softball team.
 
After starting her coaching career at Mercyhurst, she climbed the ranks with stops at Bloomfield College, Army West Point, University of Cincinnati, Air Force Academy, Stephen F. Austin State University, and most recently, the University of Akron.
 
“To represent an institution as exceptional as Mercyhurst is truly an honor and a dream come true for me and my family,” said Mills-Reid. “To have the opportunity to lead the program that gave me my start is both humbling and incredibly special.”
 
Mercyhurst President Kathleen A. Getz, Ph.D., is equally excited to welcome Mills-Reid back to Erie.
 
“Erin Mills-Reid exemplifies the values we hold dear at Mercyhurst—integrity, excellence, and a commitment to the holistic development of our students,” Getz said. “Her return to our campus is not only a celebration of her impressive career but also a powerful reminder of the lasting impact of a Mercyhurst foundation. We are thrilled to welcome her home.”
 
After her first stint as a Laker, Mills-Reid served as head assistant coach at Bloomfield College from 2007 to 2009 before taking her first Division I job as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at West Point. There, she was part of two Patriot League regular season championship teams in 2013 and 2014 and won the Patriot League tournament title in 2014.
 
Following the 2014 season, she had a brief stint at the University of Cincinnati as director of Basketball Operations. Mills-Reid then moved on to her second service academy in 2015 when she accepted a position at Air Force as an associate head coach and recruiting coordinator. In her six years there, the team won more conference games than they had in the 16 years prior to her arrival.
 
In 2021, she moved on to Stephen F. Austin (SFA) State in Texas, where she helped win the Western Athletic Conference regular season and tournament title in 2022. Following the 2022-2023 season, Mills-Reid took an assistant coach position at the University of Akron, where she helped sign the top recruiting class in the Mid-American Conference and launch the conference’s first team-wide NIL collective.

“I’ve been fortunate to work for and learn from some of the best minds in women’s basketball, including three Hall of Fame coaches: Dave Magarity, Chris Gobrecht, and Mark Kellogg,” Mills-Reid said. “Having the opportunity to coach at a wide range of institutions—from service academies to high-academic schools— has shaped, challenged, and prepared me for this moment.”

She now makes her way back to Mercyhurst, where she will be looking to use all her past experiences to thrive in her first head coaching role.

“These experiences have instilled in me the values, vision, and adaptability needed to guide Mercyhurst through this exciting transition to Division I,” Mills-Reid said. “Mercyhurst is a truly special place, and I’m committed to helping showcase that on the national stage.”

Alongside the administration at Mercyhurst, she is looking to help elevate the university to new levels.

“I’m incredibly excited to work alongside visionary leaders like President Getz and Athletic Director Spano, along with the City of Erie, to elevate the Mercyhurst name in Division I athletics,” Mills-Reid said. “Joe’s passion and commitment to building something special here is both inspiring and energizing. I’m eager to help bring that vision to life and to build a program that reflects the mission, excellence, and spirit of Mercyhurst.”

Vice President for Student Life and Athletics, Dr. Laura Zirkle, is eager to see the impact that Mills-Reid will have at Mercyhurst.
 
“At Mercyhurst, we strive to provide our student-athletes with mentors who not only elevate their game but also support their growth as individuals,” Zirkle said. “Coach Mills-Reid brings a wealth of experience and a genuine passion for empowering young women. Her leadership will undoubtedly enrich the lives of our students on and off the court.”