ERIE, Pa. – Mercyhurst women's basketball head coach Erin Mills-Reid has announce the promotion of Jermaine Cooper Sr. to associate head coach.
 
Cooper joined the staff with Mills-Reid last June as Recruiting and Player Development Coordinator and will now add associate head coach to his title.
 
"Jermaine has been a driving force behind our success at Mercyhurst, elevating our program through his leadership in player development, recruiting, and strategic direction," said Mills-Reid. "He is an exceptional person who has earned this opportunity through his hard work and dedication.  We are proud to have Jermaine leading and mentoring our young women, and this recognition is a testament to the impact he continues to make on our program."
 
Cooper was instrumental to the Lakers historic 2025-26 season. He helped the Lakers reach a 14-4 NEC record and the two seed in the conference tournament. He coached three All-NEC selection, including the Rookie of the Year and the league's Most Improved Player.
 
His coaching helped the Lakers top the NEC in scoring offense, 3-point field goal percentage, and 3-point makes per game. The Lakers made history as the first Mecyhurst squad to make a national postseason appearance, earning a bid to the Women's National Invitation Tournament (WNIT).