Cochran tabbed to lead women’s program
ROCKFORD, Ill. -- Rockford College recently announced that it has hired Steve Cochran as its new head women’s basketball coach. Cochran comes to the Regents from Maryville University in St. Louis, MO, where he was an assistant coach.

“We are very proud to have Steve as a member of our athletic department,” said Hank Espensen, Rockford College athletic director. “He brings a wealth of experience from two of the top women’s basketball programs in the country. His dedication to the student-athlete, on the court, in the classroom, and in the community, will be a great asset to the Regents athletic community. We are looking forward to Steve bringing continued success and growth to Regents women’s basketball.”

Cochran takes over a Regents team that finished the 2006-07 season with a record of 8-17 (6-13 NAC). Rockford returns all five starters, including All-Northern Athletics Conference performers seniors Angie Butler (Forreston, IL/ Forreston) and Chelsea Slater (Forreston, IL/ Forreston).

Cochran brings 18 years of coaching experience to the Rockford College women’s basketball program. In his one year as an assistant coach at Maryville University, the Saints recorded a 22-5 record and a Division III NCAA tournament berth. Before his stint at Maryville, Cochran spent eight very successful years under head coach Nancy Fahey at Washington University in St. Louis, MO. During his time with Fahey, the Bears amassed an astounding 211-17 record, including eight University Athletic Association championships, eight consecutive Division III NCAA tournament appearances, and four consecutive Division III NCAA National Championships. Cochran was also awarded the AFLAC National Assistant Coach of the Year in 2003.

Prior to his time at Washington University, Cochran served as an assistant coach at St. Louis Incarnate Word Academy and Parkway South High School. Cochran’s teams averaged over 25 wins per year at the two high schools, appearing in the Missouri State Elite Eight seven times, wining the title in 1994-95. Early in his career, he also spent two years as part-time head coach at Division I St. Louis University.

“It’s an honor to get this job at this time at this institution,” said Cochran. “Rockford College has a solid tradition of excellence, both athletically and academically. My hope is that not only can we develop great student-athletes, but most importantly, great people. Hopefully, we can make Regents basketball an important player both in the Northern Athletics Conference and the national basketball scene.”

A St. Louis, MO native, Cochran graduated from the University of Missouri – St. Louis and St. Louis Vianney High School. Cochran and his wife Kathy have two boys, Ryan, 16, and Quinn, 13.

Courtesy of Rockford College, Sports Information Department, May 25, 2007.