Gary Manchel, entering his 23rd season with the Lakers, represents the heart and soul of a program built on consistency, character, and long-term vision.
A Veteran Coach Leading a New Era
Manchel’s longevity is a rarity in today’s college basketball landscape. As the Lakers transition into Division I and have officially joined the Northeast Conference, his steady leadership could not come at a better time.
Due to NCAA reclassification rules, Mercyhurst will not be eligible for the NCAA Tournament until the 2028–29 season. Still, Manchel’s mission remains clear: build a foundation that can compete immediately and grow into a future contender. The Lakers will continue to develop their identity under a coach who knows exactly what it takes to win.
A Proven Winner at Every Stop
Before Mercyhurst, Manchel coached an impressive resume. A Vermont native, he played for his home-state Catamounts from 1982 to 1985 before moving into coaching. He began as an assistant at Slippery Rock in 1987, then earned valuable experience at Yale, which paved the way for his first head coaching opportunity at UMass Lowell in 1992.
During his nine seasons leading the River Hawks, Manchel compiled a 131–119 record, going 101–40 in conference play. His teams consistently battled near the top of the Northeast-10 Conference and reached the NCAA Division II second round in 2000–01. His success earned him NE-10 Coach of the Year honors that same season.
After a two-year stint as an assistant at Ohio University, Manchel took over at Mercyhurst in 2003. a position that would define his career. Over two decades later, he has amassed 518 career wins and established the Lakers as a model of stability.
From Division II Success to Division I Dreams
Manchel’s Mercyhurst teams were year in and year out contenders at the Division II level, highlighted by a run to the Elite Eight in 2019. The Lakers reached the NCAA Tournament seven times under his guidance, winning at least one game in five of those appearances.
Their most recent tournament bid came in 2023, when Mercyhurst defeated East Stroudsburg before falling to West Liberty in the regional semifinals. Each appearance reinforced what Manchel’s teams are known for discipline, defense, and a relentless work ethic.
Last season, the Lakers finished 15–16 overall and 9–7 in their first year of Northeast Conference play, good for third place. It was a promising start for a program adjusting to new competition and a higher level of play.
Building for the Moment That Matters
At 62 years old, Gary Manchel still carries the same passion and drive that fueled his early coaching days. His focus remains on the daily process, building a culture that wins the right way and prepares Mercyhurst for when their moment finally arrives.
When the Lakers become NCAA Tournament eligible, they will not just be newcomers. They will be a battle-tested program led by a coach who has spent decades preparing for this opportunity. Manchel’s journey is not just about longevity, but about vision. and the belief that steady hands can guide small programs to big dreams.