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Only instead of Manolo Blahnik or Jimmy Choo, hers are Chuck Taylors -- Converse high top canvas tennis shoes.

Gannon has nearly every color and style.

"I wore them in high school," said Gannon, who has tennis shoes for every holiday from Valentine's Day to Christmas. "I didn't see them for a while, but once I did, I had to buy them. They are my trademark, I guess."

Her footwear sets her apart, and so does her coaching position at Chartiers Valley.

Gannon, 43, is believed to be the only female varsity assistant boy's basketball coach in Class AAAA and most likely the only woman assistant on a boy's team in the WPIAL.

Head coach Tim McConnell offered the job four years ago to Gannon, a health and physical education teacher for sixth, seventh and eighth graders at Chartiers Valley Intermediate School.

"It took me by surprise when Tim asked me to be part of his staff," said Gannon, who wore her Chartiers Valley blue and red tennis shoes yesterday. "He told me to think about it. That was on a Friday, and on Monday, I said, 'If the offer is still on the table, I am in.'"

Gannon will be on the bench tonight when Chartiers Valley (21-5) plays Mt. Lebanon (20-6) at 8 p.m. at Canon-McMillan in the WPIAL Class AAAA semifinals.

"Coach Gannon is a big reason we are in the semifinals," senior forward Matt Hindt said. "She finds something good in everything and encourages us to become better players."

Gannon played for Chartiers Valley from 1975-79 and was a walk on at Pitt from 1979-81. McConnell hired her because of her knowledge of the game, not her gender. Gannon adds a softer side with her ability to find positives in negatives.

"You can count on her to be there for you when you are getting yelled at," said senior guard/forward Stephen Profeta. "She points out little mistakes in practice, so they don't end up being big mistakes in games."

Senior guard Bill Poletti added Gannon is good at talking to players and offering a reason why McConnell is tough on them.

McConnell said Gannon fits in with the staff and is "one of the guys."

"She is a great coach," said McConnell, in his 10th season. "She really knows basketball."

Gannon takes extra time to watch players' shooting form or follow through, and the players appreciate that.

"When I hand them a water bottle, they thank me," said Gannon, whose nephew, Nate Gannon, will be on the court for Mt. Lebanon. "When we ride to summer games, they say, 'Let's not turn the radio on. Let's just talk,' and include me. This program is like a big fraternity because former players come back. I guess I am the only female in the fraternity."

Gannon also coaches junior varsity with varsity assistant Shawn Sherry.

"She is a valuable part of the coaching staff," said Sherry, 44, of Scott Township. "In JV games, we make decisions together. She is a better person than coach, and let me tell you, she is a great coach."

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