Mercyhurst University in Erie, Pennsylvania, began competing in Division I in 2024-25 as a member of the Northeast Conference. The Lakers are one of the newest Division I programs and are transitioning from a successful Division II history.
The Lakers mascot reflects Mercyhurst's location on the shores of Lake Erie, one of the five Great Lakes, making it a natural and fitting choice.
The 2024 announcement of the transition to Division I, signaling a new era for Mercyhurst athletics and its basketball program.
Mercyhurst was founded by the Sisters of Mercy in 1926 and is one of the smallest universities to recently transition to Division I athletics.
The Mercyhurst Lakers compete in the NEC and hold an all-time record of 32–33 (.492 winning percentage) across 2 recorded seasons dating back to 2024-25.
| Season | Record | Conference | Coach | AP peak |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-26 | 17-17 | 10-8 (NEC) | Gary Manchel | |
| 2024-25 | 15-16 | 9-7 (NEC) | Gary Manchel |
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| Rank | Team | Conference | All-Time Wins |
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Top 100 by all-time D1 wins. Verified against the NCAA record book — and tiered so you can argue properly.
| # | COACH | RECORD | WIN % | SCHOOL(S) | YEARS | BEST SEASON / LEGACY |
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