Hampton Roads Academy is pleased to announce that Chris Mills will be joining its Athletic Department as Varsity Boys Soccer Coach and Assistant Athletic Director.
A current HRA parent, most recently, Mr. Mills has led Virginia Wesleyan University’s men’s soccer program for 10 seasons, eight of which were ODAC (Old Dominion Athletic Conference) tournament appearances.
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.
Supporting Every Student
Hampton Roads Academy (HRA) in Newport News, VA, is dedicated to recognizing the unique needs of every student and fostering a nurturing environment. By focusing on personalized attention, HRA provides academic guidance, emotional support, and extracurricular opportunities essential for student success, all grounded in a culture of kindness.
HRA is committed to making its high-quality education accessible to all families through tailored tuition assistance programs, ensuring that financial challenges do not limit access to quality education. The school takes pride in offering diverse resources and support, meeting the needs of its community with compassion.
A Commitment to Excellence
At HRA, education extends beyond academics. We nurture the whole student through a comprehensive program, with this year’s theme, “Year of Kindness,” highlighting the role of kindness in school life. Our curriculum promotes honor, integrity, and personal growth, recognizing each student’s unique strengths within a supportive community.
With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, HRA offers tailored support, creating an encouraging environment for students to thrive physically, emotionally, and academically. This holistic approach empowers students to explore various activities, from sports to the arts, while embracing kindness as a core value.
Why Choose Hampton Roads Academy?
As the only independent school on the Peninsula serving Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12, HRA offers a unique educational experience. Accredited by the Virginia Association of Independent Schools and a member of the National Association of Independent Schools, HRA upholds the highest academic standards.
Beyond academics, HRA provides numerous opportunities for student development. Our athletic programs encourage teamwork and sportsmanship, while our robust arts program fosters creativity. Additionally, the REACH (Real-world Experience and Academic Choices) Initiative connects academic learning with real-world applications, promoting personal growth, community service, and kindness.
Schedule Your Tour in Newport News, VA, Today!
At Hampton Roads Academy, students receive an exceptional education alongside a strong emphasis on character development, preparing them for future success. We cultivate critical thinking, effective communication, teamwork, and a spirit of discovery to shape innovative and empathetic leaders for an evolving world. Serving families in Newport News, Poquoson, Hampton, and Williamsburg, VA, HRA invites you to schedule a campus tour and discover how our nurturing environment can help your child thrive and reach their full potential.
