Mercyhurst University Women's Basketball

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."   Mills-Reid is married to Blake Reid, and they have three sons, Hayden (6), Carter (4), and Bryson (2). 

Jermaine Cooper Sr. brings a wealth of coaching experience, a sharp offensive mind, and a strong commitment to player development to the Mercyhurst University Women’s Basketball staff as he begins his first season in Erie, PA. Cooper joins Mercyhurst from Merrimack College, where he served as the Lead Assistant Coach and played a pivotal role in the program’s success during its transition into the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC). In the 2023–24 season, he led post player development and served as the team’s Defensive Coordinator, helping Merrimack finish 2nd in the NEC in rebounding. In the 2024–25 season, he focused on guard development and helped coordinate the team’s offensive strategies. Known for his innovative offensive approach, Cooper was instrumental in the team's system development and game planning. Merrimack capped its first season in the MAAC with a 4th-place finish in the conference tournament, highlighted by Thalia Shepard earning MAAC All-Tournament Team honors. Off the court, the program also excelled academically, finishing 12th in the nation in team G.P.A at the conclusion of the 2023-2024 season. A 2009 graduate of The Ohio State University with a B.A. in Communication and Technology, Cooper began his coaching journey in 2011 with the Ohio Glory Elite Girls’ AAU program, where he served as Associate Head Coach for the 17U team. In this role, he led recruiting efforts and emphasized individual player development. He went on to join the staff at Binghamton University in 2013, focusing on player development while also serving as the program’s liaison to the student success center. He managed team travel, oversaw practice players and team managers, and coordinated the video exchange program. In 2014, Cooper accepted the role of Assistant Women’s Basketball Coach at PennWest University–Clarion. Over eight seasons he played a vital role in skill development, recruiting, and academic support. His recruiting efforts brought in several key players, including Tyra Polite (All-PSAC West, 2016–17), Keke Messiah (team scoring leader, 2020–21), and Sierra Bermudez (All-PSAC Second Team, 2021–22). He also handled team logistics, organized weekly study halls, and developed detailed scouting reports. In August 2022, Cooper was named Interim Head Coach at Penn West Clarion, where he led all aspects of the Division II program. During his time, the team's G.P.A improved to 3.64. Which was the highest in the program's history. He earned a Master of Science in Sport Management from California University of Pennsylvania in 2016.  

Amber Renz is excited to return to her Alma Mater, Mercyhurst University, as an assistant coach on the women’s basketball staff.  Renz spent the last academic year at Tarleton State University, where she was the Athletic Academic Coordinator for Beach Volleyball, Cross Country, Track and Field, and Volleyball. During her time she advised and supported a case load of student-athletes to ensure academic success and eligibility requirements. She also oversaw the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, promoting student-athlete growth on and off the playing surfaces.  Before arriving in Stephenville, Renz worked three years as the Assistant Women’s Basketball Coach at Minot State University and spent one season as the Graduate Assistant. While there, she provided an environment that guided her players to be successful on and off the court. Renz was fortunate to coach Two All-NSIC First Team Selections in Amber Stevahn (‘22) and Kate Head (‘23).  During the 2023-34 season the team had their first NSIC postseason berth since the 2019-20 season. Aside from the court accolades, various student-athletes were rewarded individual academic awards including being named to the President's List (3.8 GPA or higher), the VP Academic Affairs Honor Roll (3.5-3.79 GPA), the NSIC All-Academic Team of Excellence, the NSIC All-Academic Team, the NSIC Myles Brand All-Academic Team, the COSIDA District 7 Academic All-District First Team, and the College Sports Communicators Women's Basketball Academic All-District Team. The 2021-22 roster placed 11th in the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association Academic Top 25 and were awarded the Highest Team GPA on Campus with a 3.678 GPA. Before starting her coaching career, Renz was a four-year member of the NCAA Division II Mercyhurst Women's Basketball team. She earned First-Team All-Conference in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) following the 2019-20 season. A 1,000-point scorer, she was not only known for her talents on the court, but also her academic success off of it. She was a four-time PSAC Scholar Athlete and an Academic Achievement Award winner from 2018 to 2020. During her time at Mercyhurst, Renz was active off the basketball court with multiple groups and clubs. She was the President of the Mercyhurst University Fashion Council, the leader of the Student-Athlete Bible Study, a member of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), and volunteered for The Boys and Girls Club of Erie, Toys for Tots, Presque Isle Cleanup, and Second Harvest Food Bank. The Danville, Pennsylvania, native earned her master’s degree in Sports Management at Minot State University in 2022 where she received the College of Business Outstanding Student Award. She graduated with her bachelor’s degree in Fashion Merchandising and Event Management at Mercyhurst University in 2020.

Kelly Simmons follows Coach Erin Mills-Reid to Mercyhurst after spending the 2024-2025 season as a graduate assistant at The University of Akron, led by Head Coach Ryan Gensler. Her responsibilities included support on-court-coaching, player development workouts, scout team, content creation, recruiting activities, film work, coordinate managers, social media/branding, and general day-to-day operational tasks. At Akron, she was one of twenty one graduate assistants selected to participate in the TopConnect Graduate Leadership Academy (GALA4) with Coach Josh Pastner– a program connecting young collegiate athletic professionals with veteran mentors. Prior to Akron, Simmons spent the 2022-2024 as the assistant at her alma mater, Trinity University in San Antonio, TX under Head Coach Cameron Hill. Over two seasons, Simmons went 50-8, won the 2023 and 2024 Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference (SCAC) Tournament Champions, and advanced to the 2023 NCAA DIII Third Round and 2024 NCAA DIII Second Round. The 2022-2023 season saw Trinity hold the top spot in the d3hoops Top25 national poll for three weeks (the first time since the 2003-2004 season). In 2023-2024, Simmons supported an offense that led DIII in 3FGM per game at 10.1. Outside of Trinity, Simmons remained active, working various summer youth camps and coaching the Rohawks, a 16U Boys Basketball AAU Team. As a player at Trinity, Simmons appeared in all 98 games achieving an 83-15 record with a 54-5 mark for SCAC play. Her playing career is highlighted by four consecutive regular season SCAC titles, the 2021 and 2022 SCAC Tournament Championships, 2020 and 2022 NCAA DIII Tournaments Appearances (2021 national tournament canceled). In the 2019-2020 season, Simmons was part of a unit that led the DIII in assists to turnover ratio. A senior captain in 2021-2022, Trinity set a program record 27 consecutive wins, went undefeated in SCAC play (16-0), and reached the NCAA DIII Quarterfinals for the second time in program history. Simmons finished her time at Trinity 12th in career rebounds and ninth in career blocks at Trinity. She received a B.A. in Political Science and History and is a member of the ODK leadership circle.