Lake Buena Vista, FL - Mercyhurst Women's Basketball Head Coach Erin Mills-Reid was selected as a panelist speaker for the 2025 TopConnect Leaders Basketball Symposium.

Her panel focused on "The First 90 Days as a Head Coach," where she shared insights and experiences from her transition into a leadership role. Mills-Reid previously participated in the 2024 TopConnect Symposium while serving as an assistant coach at Akron, highlighting her continued rise within the collegiate coaching ranks.

"It was a true honor to speak at the 2025 TopConnect Symposium. Dr. Sanders and his team have created an incredible platform that empowers top assistant coaches nationwide as they prepare to take the next step into head coaching roles." said Mills-Reid. "My experience at TopConnect last year was a pivotal moment in my professional development and played a significant role in preparing me for the opportunity I now have at Mercyhurst."

TopConnect is a leadership and professional development initiative created by Dr. Richard Sander, Athletic Director at East Tennessee State University (ETSU). The program identifies and connects the nation's top assistant coaches and administrators, offering high-level networking and development opportunities designed to prepare them for leadership positions.

Since its launch in 2018, TopConnect has helped over 50 participants advance to roles such as Head Coach, Athletic Director, and even Conference Commissioner.

The organization's motto, "Connect. Prepare. Lead.", reflects its mission to cultivate the next generation of leaders in collegiate athletics.

Topics at this year's symposium included:

• The Hiring Process and Thereafter

• Perspectives of First-Time Head Coaches

• NIL from Multiple Perspectives

• House Settlement

To learn more about TopConnect and its success please visit https://topconnectleaders.com/index.html