The following story appeared on November 14, 1996 in the Times-News (Cumberland, Md.)

Frankfort's Valerie Chaney to play basketball at Georgia Tech

Eric Weaver
Times-News Staff Writer

SHORT GAP, W.Va. - In a crowded cafeteria surrounded by friends, family and teammates, Frankfort High School's Valerie Chaney signed a national letter-of-intent to continue her basketball career and education at Georgia Tech.

At 6-4, Chaney was being recruited by nearly 100 Division I schools, but a recent trip to Atlanta gave Georgia Tech the edge over Georgetown, Massachusetts, Virginia and Old Dominion.

``I made my first and only official recruiting visit to Georgia Tech and I fell in love with the place,'' said Chaney. ``I got to meet my teammates and future recruits and the academics were great.

``Atlanta is a really exciting place. There is so much to do and it's warm all year round, but I'm going to miss everyone here.''

Last season as a junior, Chaney helped lead Frankfort to a 19-3 record and a share of the Area Championship. She averaged 18.1 points a game and led the area in rebounding with 11.2 boards a game.

Chaney also blocked 70 shots last season and scored 20 or more points in at least 10 of the Falcons' 22 games, including a career-high 31 in a win over Bishop Walsh.

In her sophomore season, Chaney averaged 14 points, seven rebounds and five blocked shots a game as Frankfort compiled a 19-4 record.

``Georgia Tech recruited Valerie to play center,'' said former Frankfort girls coach and current vice principal Joe Riley. ``At 6-foot-4, she has incredible natural low post moves and has even developed a jump hook.

``Valerie has incredible enthusiasm on the court. She loves to play the game and puts her heart into it,'' added Riley. ``She just has an incredible attitude and Georgia Tech thinks she has a lot of promise.''

Chaney is the tallest Lady Jacket recruit in a class that is one of the largest recruiting classes both in numbers and size ever in the history of the Georgia Tech program. The Lady Jackets finished last season at 14-13 overall and 5-11 in the Atlantic Coast Conference.

``Valerie will come in right away and help us in the paint,'' said Georgia Tech head coach Agnes Berenato in a news release. ``I like her shot blocking ability as well as her ability to get the ball in the box, turn, square and score.''

Chaney spent most of the summer playing for the Free Play Hurricanes in the Maryland Amateur Athletic Union League. She competed with the team in Spokane, Wash. at the AAU National Tournament.

``My parents (Bob and Linda) have been a big help to me,'' said Chaney. ``They've sent me to numerous camps over the last couple of years and even flew me to Spokane for the tournament. They've traveled with me everywhere.''

But next season the Chaneys will have to travel from their home in Fort Ashby to Atlanta to see Valerie play.

``Linda says we're going to have to buy a lot and keep a camper down there,'' said Valerie's dad, Bob. ``My wife has just been a tremendous help to Val; she has always made it a point to follow her and be there at her games.''

Bob's account of the Georgia Tech visit differs slightly from his daughter.

``It was just a spontaneous decision by Val,'' he said.

``Valerie had to stay with the team for three days and she not only had to choose them but the team also had to accept her,'' he added.

``After the first day the Georgia Tech players started to wonder if girls from West Virginia talk. But then Val opened up and the kids fell in love with her and she fell in love with them.''

Chaney not only is one of the area's top performers on the court, but also excels in the classroom with a 3.6 grade point average and is a member of Mu Alpha Theta Honorary.

``With a full five-year ride Georgia Tech has a lot to offer her. They have academic advisors that work with each player every day and the facilities and academics give Valerie an excellent opportunity,'' added her father.

Chaney becomes the second Lady Falcon to sign a letter of intent with a Division I school. Dana Krone was the first.

``This is really a proud moment for Frankfort High School,'' said Principal Rob Woy. ``Valerie typifies everything that we can ask for in a student athlete and the school wishes her the best of luck.'' With the decision behind her Valerie has a set of goals for her senior season, a state championship for her school and also Player of the Year honors.