From the beginning, Cochran knew he was going to make a difference in the lives of young athletes. During his final year of education at McMurry, he got his first taste of coaching when Coach Pick entrusted him with the opportunity to coach and serve as a student manager for the War Hawks. This experience solidified his passion for mentoring and inspiring others, setting him on a lifelong journey of coaching with a purpose. He felt incredibly fortunate to start this journey at his alma mater, a place that had shaped him into the leader he would become.听
Today, Cochran is the head men’s basketball coach and interim Athletic Director at Fort Scott Community College, one of the nation’s top junior colleges. Over the past two seasons, he has led his team to an impressive 41 wins while achieving a remarkable 100% graduation rate. For Cochran, success extends beyond the scoreboard.听
鈥�My vision was to win on and off the court,鈥� says Cochran, 鈥渁nd we are achieving that continuously.鈥�听
Cochran’s commitment goes deeper than just winning games. He is driven to provide his players with life-changing opportunities. 听
鈥�I love giving my student-athletes a better life opportunity than they had before,鈥� Cochran explains.听
He recognizes that many junior college athletes might not have had the chance to continue their sports careers or pursue higher education if it weren鈥檛 for programs like his. By guiding them to graduate and move on to successful futures beyond Fort Scott, Cochran is helping shape these young athletes into responsible, mature men. His influence is about more than just basketball; it’s about leaving a lasting impact on their lives.听
While many coaches dream of leading prestigious programs like Duke or Michigan, Cochran听finds fulfillment in making a difference where he is. He was once a Division I assistant coach, but that was never his ultimate goal. His true passion lies in creating meaningful change within the community he serves, turning his dream into reality by elevating student-athletes at the local level.听
For Cochran, coaching is about staying true to one’s original motivations. He firmly believes that once you achieve your dream job, it鈥檚 crucial to remember why you pursued it in the first place. It’s not about the accolades or the prestige; it鈥檚 about loving the school, the athletes, and the process. He aims to be the kind of coach that players want to play for鈥攕omeone who prioritizes their growth and well-being over merely chasing victories for the sake of appearances.听
Under Cochran鈥檚 leadership, Fort Scott鈥檚 men鈥檚 basketball program has reached new heights. The team set a record with the most wins in a two-year span and made it to the KJCCC Championship. This past season, they achieved the most victories since 1951 and set a program milestone with a 3.28 team GPA. Beyond the court, Cochran contributes to the broader community by serving on strategic enrollment, community service, and retention committees while also teaching multiple classes.听
Coach Cochran鈥檚 holistic approach to coaching not only brings out the best in his players on the court but also prepares them for success in life. His dedication to his athletes’ personal and academic growth exemplifies his belief that true success is about making a lasting, positive impact.听