RICHMOND, Ky. — As Model Laboratory Schools prepares to tip off another winter sports season, the school is looking ahead under new leadership for its girls basketball program. Model has named Colleen Chaney as Varsity Girls Basketball Head Coach for the 2026-27 season.
Chaney assumes the role after serving two successful seasons as coach of the Model Middle School girls basketball program, leading the sixth- and seventh-grade teams while helping grow participation, develop young athletes, and establish a strong foundation for the future of the program.
Athletic Director Scotty Sutton, who previously served as the varsity girls head coach, formally introduced Chaney during a press conference on Oct. 8 attended by student-athletes, cheerleaders, coaches, school administrators, families, and community supporters.
“We struck gold when we hired Coach Chaney as our middle school coach,” Sutton said. “The program improved immediately. More students wanted to come out and play for her, and you could see that growth reflected on the scoreboard as well.”
Sutton said Chaney's preparation, attention to detail, and commitment to player development made her a natural fit to lead the program at the varsity level.
“Over the last two years, she has been outstanding,” Sutton said. “The way she prepares, the way she scouts opponents, and the attention she gives to every detail are the qualities that matter at the next level. Most importantly, I know her players are going to play hard for her.”
For Chaney, basketball has been a lifelong passion.
She first joined a basketball team as a fifth grader with no prior experience, a decision that surprised her parents but ultimately launched a decades-long connection to the sport. She went on to play school and AAU basketball through middle and high school at Tates Creek High School, later officiating games ranging from youth leagues to collegiate intramural competition. Her experience also includes coaching YMCA youth basketball before joining Model's middle school program.
“Basketball has taught me teamwork, communication, organization, discipline, how to win, and how to lose,” Chaney said. “It’s why 80% of female CEOs were student-athletes, because it teaches you something on the court or on the field that you also learn in the classroom and in the business sector. And I have carried those [lessons] through my life.”
Her own career offers an example of that connection. In addition to her coaching responsibilities, Chaney serves as Vice President for Administration and Engagement at Eastern Kentucky University. She credits athletics with helping develop many of the skills that have shaped her success as a leader.
Chaney said the opportunity to lead the varsity program came after encouragement from student-athletes, parents, and school leaders.
“When I received a lovely email from one of our varsity players in the summer asking me to coach, and then the administration asked me to coach, and then when a couple parents approached me and asked me to coach, I thought maybe it’s time to give some of those treasures back,” Chaney shared. “And so, I said yes!”
As she begins her first season leading the Patriots, Chaney sees tremendous potential in a young roster eager to grow together.
“We are young, and our girls know that. Ninety percent of this team will be freshmen and younger. We lost five seniors, so this will be a building year for us,” Chaney said. “That’s going to require us to work really hard on our fundamentals.”
Chaney also emphasized the connection between athletics and academic achievement, noting that philosophy has been reflected in plans for Model's new facility, which is currently under construction and scheduled to open in Fall 2028.
“As we prepare for a new school, we've been intentional about balancing excellence in the classroom with excellence on the court and on the field with our athletic facilities,” Chaney said.
“We're going to start preparing now to have the ability to be in that space and to earn the right to be in that space. But we're not just building a building. We're building a program.”
Chaney looks forward to her inaugural season as a varsity coach with what she describes as “the best support system I could ask for” in her husband and two daughters, including one who knows her as both Mom and Coach.
“The beauty of it is that we have a long runway to prepare to build, to grow, and to make our mark. So, we’ll prepare to build,” Chaney said of the 2026-27 season. “I'm excited for what comes next. With that, let's play ball.”
Patriot fans will have their first opportunity to see Chaney and her team in action during Model Madness on Tuesday, Nov. 10, as Model officially kicks off the winter sports season. The annual event will feature basketball scrimmages, cheer routines, and introductions of the school's winter athletic programs.
With a strong foundation, community support, and a coach committed to developing both athletes and leaders, the future of Model girls basketball seems to be in capable hands under Chaney's leadership.
As Model enters a new era of leadership for its basketball programs, the future looks bright with Chaney and Boys Varsity Head Coach Dylan Barnes-Moran guiding the next generation of Patriot student-athletes.
November 9, 2026