Alice Lloyd’s John Mills announces retirement from Women’s Basketball 

Alice Lloyd College Lady Eagles Head Coach John Mills officially announced his retirement on Wednesday, April 8th.

A 1978 graduate of Sheldon Clark High School (now Martin County) and an Alice Lloyd alumnus, Mills began his coaching career as an assistant at Berea High School before taking the helm of the Lady Eagles. During his first six-season tenure, he led the program to unprecedented success, including two TVAC Conference runner-up finishes and a then school-record 27 wins in 1996.

Mills later spent two seasons as head coach of the Eagles men's basketball team before continuing his career at Berea College. In nine seasons with the Mountaineers, he captured a conference championship and earned a berth in the NAIA Men's National Tournament.

Returning to Caney Creek in 2010, Mills once again elevated the Lady Eagles program. He guided the team to NAIA National Tournament appearances in 2018 and 2019, compiling 44 wins across those two seasons. His teams also made four NCCAA National Tournament appearances (2020, 2021, 2023, 2024), highlighted by a national championship run in 2021.

Over the course of his career, Mills recorded 498 victories, earned 12 conference Coach of the Year honors, and was named NCCAA National Coach of the Year in 2021.

Reflecting on his decision, Mills cited the physical demands of coaching and the need for sustained energy in the role. He expressed confidence that the program is ready for new leadership.

In addition to coaching more than 1,200 student-athletes across over 1,150 contests, Mills contributed broadly to Alice Lloyd athletics, coaching six sports: baseball, softball, golf, cross country, men's basketball, and women's basketball.

While stepping away from coaching, Mills will continue to serve the College as a field representative. He and his wife, Barbara VanWinkle, have two children and two grandchildren.