Women’s Basketball head coach Jamelle Elliott has announced the hiring of Erin Mills as the director of women’s basketball operations. Mills begins her tenure at UC after spending five seasons at the United States Military Academy at West Point as an assistant women’s basketball coach and associate recruiting coordinator.
In addition to coaching the guards at Army, Mills also handled responsibilities in recruiting, budget management, travel coordination and scheduling. Additionally, Mills focused efforts in compliance and served as the liaison for the women’s basketball program with both academics and the equipment room.
Following a Patriot League Tournament Championship, the Black Knights reached the NCAA tournament for just the second time as a Division I program in 2013-14, earning the 13th seed. Under Mills tutelage, guard Kelsey Minato was named 2014 Patriot League Player of the Year and Patriot League Tournament MVP.
The Black Knights’ long-range shooters had the most successful season in school history under Mills’ watch in 2013-14, draining a record 212 three-pointers and shooting 37.2 percent.
The Black Knight backcourt saw similar success the year prior, as a pair of guards brought home first-team All-Patriot League honors during the 2012-13 regular-season championship campaign. It marked the first time in program history Army earned multiple first-team nods.
Senior Anna Simmers was a unanimous selection while Minato earned a spot on the five-person squad while also making conference history by being tabbed both the Player and Rookie of the Year.
Mills was also instrumental in co-founding an Assistant Coaches Council at Army, designed to improve the morale, function and work environment for all assistant coaches and support staff at Army. The group focused on formulating ides to enhance the professional development of all members.
Prior to her time at West Point, Mills spent two years as the top assistant at Bloomfield College in Bloomfield, New Jersey, where in addition to player development Mills cultivated recruiting efforts, served as scouting coordinator, oversaw film exchange, served as conditioning coordinator. She was also a high school history teacher in the Pascack school system, along with serving as the head coach of the Pascack softball team.
Mills first stint in college coaching came at Mercyhurst College in Erie, Pennsylvania for the 2006-07 season. In addition to a multitude of duties, Mills fulfilled the title of recruiting coordinator, NCAA compliance coordinator and assisted with all aspects of team travel.
Mills’ New Jersey roots run deep as she spent her undergraduate and graduate years at Fairleigh Dickinson in Teaneck, New Jersey A four-year letterwinner on the hardwood for the Knights, Mills was the designated captain for the 2004-05 season during which time she led the Knights in assists. She also played two seasons at center fielder for the Knights’ softball team.
Mills graduated in 2005 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in history and earned a Master of Arts in education for Certified Teachers one year later. A standout inside the classroom, Mills was a Northeast Conference Scholar-Athlete in all eight semesters of her playing career. She also made the dean’s list and graduated magna cum laude.
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