Becahi Grad Hernandez Propels Mercyhurst Basketball to New Heights

College basketball is a rollercoaster of challenges and triumphs. Cici Hernandez, a sophomore guard for Mercyhurst University’s women’s team, is living proof of that.

With first-year coach Erin Mills-Reid at the helm, Hernandez has become a key player. Her impact is fueling Mercyhurst’s recent climb in the Northeast Conference (NEC).

The Rise of Cici Hernandez

Hernandez’s growth this season has been impressive. Early on, her spot in the starting lineup shifted, but Coach Mills-Reid kept believing in her.

“You’re a 20-a-night kid,” the coach would say. Lately, that confidence is starting to show up in the stat sheets.

January’s Breakout Performances

January was a turning point for Hernandez. She dropped at least 20 points in four of ten games, averaging 17.3 points over that stretch.

Her season average jumped to 13.0 points per game, putting her fourth in the NEC. That scoring boost has helped Mercyhurst climb to third place in the conference.

Key Contributions on the Court

But Hernandez does more than just score. In January, she hit at least four 3-pointers in four games and handed out at least three assists in five of her last seven.

At just 5-foot-6, she’s become a player Mills-Reid likes to post up, which isn’t something you see every day. She’s also embraced the gritty side of things, stepping in to take charges and becoming one of the team’s best at it.

Mercyhurst’s Journey Under Coach Mills-Reid

The 2026 season has been a wild ride for Mercyhurst. Erin Mills-Reid’s leadership has played a huge role in that.

The team faced a brutal nonleague schedule, going up against Top-25 teams like Michigan State, Iowa State, and West Virginia. The Lakers lost all 11 nonleague games and started 0-12 overall, but Mills-Reid never lost faith.

Building Confidence and Resilience

Mills-Reid focused on keeping things positive and building up her players’ confidence. She kept telling them to trust the system and themselves.

Since conference play began, the Lakers have turned things around. They went 7-3 in January, including a six-game winning streak—their first since 2020.

Transition to Division I

Mercyhurst moved up to Division I before the 2024-25 season. That’s brought a whole new set of challenges.

Still, the team’s ability to adjust and compete at this level says a lot about their work ethic. Hernandez’s growth as both a player and leader has been huge in this transition.

Leadership and Future Goals

Hernandez has stepped up as a vocal leader, which is no small feat on such a young team. With 12 freshmen and sophomores among 15 players, her leadership matters a lot.

Areas for Improvement

Coach Mills-Reid sees room for Hernandez to grow, especially with boxouts and rebounding. Hernandez is determined to keep her momentum from January going as the season winds down.

There are eight games left, including tough road matchups against Fairleigh Dickinson and Long Island University. No one’s pretending it’ll be easy.

Broader Context: Lehigh Valley College Basketball

Hernandez’s journey is just one thread in the tapestry of Lehigh Valley college basketball. The region is packed with programs, each carving out its own story.

DeSales University

The DeSales men’s team is making noise in the MAC Freedom Conference. They just joined a four-way tie for first after a wild overtime win against Delaware Valley.