Pennsylvania Highlands Community College is making a major move on the hardwood, entrusting both its basketball programs to a proven leader. Following two highly successful years guiding the men's team, Chris Weakley has been named the head coach of the women's basketball program, which is set to return to competition for the first time in over a quarter-century.

This isn't just a new chapter; it's a revival. The women's team last competed as an official NJCAA sport from 1998 to 2000. Now, Weakley is tasked with building a winner from the ground up, and his confidence is sky-high. "For the success we’ve had on the men’s side... I believe that we’re going to bring some ladies in that can do the same thing," he said. "I don’t think we’re going to have to worry about waiting to win."

That confidence is built on a rock-solid foundation. In just two seasons, Weakley transformed the men's program into a powerhouse, leading the Black Bears to back-to-back conference and Region 20 championships. The 2024-25 regional title was a historic first for the program, part of a 31-29 two-year run that also produced numerous all-conference and all-region players.

Weakley's global basketball resume—featuring playing and coaching experience across four continents—uniquely prepares him for this dual role. He sees the challenge of leading two teams as a seamless next step. "It should be a very smooth transition," he noted, outlining plans for summer workouts to build strength and chemistry for both squads. "That’s all I do is coach basketball, so I’m definitely looking forward to it."

The timing of this rebuild is particularly exciting, as both Black Bears teams will ascend to the NJCAA Division II level starting with the 2026-27 seasons. For a community college in Johnstown, the future of basketball looks bright, with one coach at the center of it all, ready to write a new legacy for both the men's and women's programs.