Chris Mills to Join Hampton Roads Academy in Summer 2023

Mills shared, “I want to thank Head of School, Jay Lasley and Athletic Director, Laura Stoner for this incredible opportunity. From the time my daughter started here, as a student, two years ago I could see how special HRA was. This opportunity is going to allow me to bring my passion and enthusiasm for teaching and coaching all together. I am so excited to become even more engaged in the HRA community. Go Navigators!”

Chris Mills guided the Virginia Wesleyan Marlins to the 2013 ODAC Championship and earned ODAC Coach of the Year honors.  In 2021, his team had the second-best win record of his career collecting a 12-4-4 overall record and advancing to the ODAC semifinal match.  The Marlins posted 10 shutouts, including eight in a row, which tied the record for most consecutive shutouts in a season.  In 2022, they finished third in the ODAC with a 6-1-3 and a 12-4-4 overall record. 

A graduate of Virginia Wesleyan University, Mills was a three-year starter for the men’s soccer team, earning all-ODAC honors three times and all-state accolades twice.  He was an ODP (Olympic Development Program) District Staff member in 2010, and has served on the staff at camps at Virginia Tech, University of Virginia and the United States Naval Academy.  Mills has a USSF National “D” Coaching License and an Advanced Diploma from the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA). 

In the words of HRA Athletic Director, Laura Stoner, “Coach Mills is knowledgeable and dedicated, enthusiastic and approachable, with nearly two decades of collegiate experience as a player and coach in our 757 area. His credentials are impressive, and his Navigator Pride is genuine, as he has been a part of our family for two years already as father to Riley ‘36. 

Having Mills on HRA's campus as a full-time teacher/coach will position Boys Soccer well for many successful fall seasons and will provide an additional resource to all Navigator athletes striving to compete at the collegiate level.”

James “Jay” H. Lasley, Jr., Head of School at Hampton Roads Academy, said of Mr. Mills that “We are delighted to have Chris Mills join Hampton Roads Academy as our Head Boys Soccer Coach.  He has experienced tremendous success as a collegiate player and coach, and no doubt will be an influential leader and mentor to his players and students here at HRA. 

I am thrilled for Chris and his family, and very excited for the HRA community to have someone of Chris's dedication and passion on board.”

Chris Mills resides with his wife, Sara, and his family in Chesapeake, VA.