Women's Soccer | September 29, 2022

 
For many people, athletic aspirations derive from their family. Following in their family's footsteps can spark a love and admiration for their sport.
 
For Mackenzie Cochrane, this elicited a passion for more than one sport, causing her to face a tough decision in her second year of college. After a year of being a dual athlete, she had to choose between pursuing soccer or basketball. 
 
The Myrtle Beach, S.C., native was introduced to soccer from a young age. Her mother played at the collegiate level at James Madison University. She began playing herself at the age of four when her older sister, Jessica Cochrane, began.
 
Basketball came into her life due to her father's love for the game and her increasing height. "He really loves the sport and I never stopped getting tall and wanted to put that to use," said Cochrane. 
 
Cochrane was initially recruited to play soccer by the previous coach with no intention of playing basketball. She had a successful senior season and wanted to continue at the next level. 
 
"I had a really good senior year in high school and didn't want to stop. It just bled into college," Cochrane stated. 
 
During the recruiting process, she was between two very different schools but ultimately chose USC Aiken due to the persistence of the coach, the team, and the family environment that made her feel welcome.
 
Upon arrival, the soccer team was faced with a coaching change which elicited a tough transition for Cochrane and the other players. 
 
"I was nervous at first because I knew the expectations coming in and then they totally changed for everyone," said Cochrane. "The new coach has a very high soccer IQ and I have become a much better player than I would have. She wants to win and I want to win too."
 
Cochrane had a very successful season in both sports her freshman year, starting or appearing in almost every game despite the nerves of living up to her own expectations. "I wanted to do my best. It has been a really fun experience and I am very grateful for it," said Cochrane.
 
Due to the challenges that come with switching between two sports, she found solidarity in her teammates and upperclassmen who gave her direction. Cochrane stated, "I had to look to the older girls for guidance, especially in basketball. They really helped me out in both sports."
 
Ultimately Cochrane realized she had to choose one sport due to the taxing demands of being a dual athlete in addition to her course load. A biology major, she understood her grades were a significant priority. 
 
"I knew at the end of the day I am not going to be able to do everything, especially as a biology major. That was a big part of me not playing in both," said Cochrane. 
 
For Cochrane, soccer was the clear choice because of her comfort level on the team. "I am more confident when I play soccer and feel like I am better at it," said Cochrane. "I live with the soccer girls and feel more a part of the team."
 
Being able to focus on one sport, Cochrane believes it will allow her to perform better on the field when it matters most. Since she is able to be on the soccer field during their spring season, the transition between sports will not be an issue as it was for her in the past. 
 
As she continues her second season of soccer, the team is doing well, having a .500 record.
 
 "As a team, we have definitely improved from last year," Cochrane stated. "Once all the bits and pieces come together, we will continue to get better each year."