Bethune-Cookman College hires
Chris Cochran as new Softball Coach
August 22, 2006
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – A new era of Bethune-Cookman
College softball was ushered in with the hiring
of Chris Cochran as the head softball coach
for the Wildcats. She is set to start immediately,
and takes over for Willie Brown who served
as the interim head coach for the ‘Cats
last season while the college was searching
for a replacement for former head coach Laura
Watten who left B-CC to become head coach at
the University of Maryland.
 Cochran enters the Bethune-Cookman College
program after spending the 2006 season as an
assistant coach with the Rutgers University
softball program where she served as the recruiting
coordinator and hitting instructor for the
Scarlet Knights.
“Bethune-Cookman College is a great
opportunity for me, and I’m really looking
forward to working for a great Director of
Athletics like Lynn Thompson … as well
as working closely with the rest of the staff
here at B-CC,” exclaimed Cochran earlier
this morning as she arrived for her first official
day at B-CC.
Cochran’s expertise and knowledge of
the game of softball extends much farther than
just a season at Rutgers. Prior to last season,
she served for four (4) years at Iowa State
University. For three of those years, she served
as the associate head coach in charge of hitting,
recruiting and serving as the infield coach.
She held that position from 2001-05 with the
Cyclones. While at Iowa State, she helped in
the Cyclones knocking off third-ranked Texas
in a nationally-televised contest on ESPN,
as well as #10 Baylor. The Cyclones also led
the Big 12 in hitting percentage during conference
play.
“Chris Cochran is a very experienced
and highly-respected coach who will take our
program to new heights. She has a wellspring
of experience as a Division I coach and top-level
assistant,” stated Director of Athletics,
Lynn W. Thompson. “We are excited about
welcoming her to the Wildcat family. We would
also like to thank Coach [Willie] Brown, who
is an integral part of our staff, for stepping
in and providing stability during a transitional
season.” Chris Cochran earned her Bachelor
of Science degree in Physical Education with
a minor in Health from the University of Iowa
in 1986. She was a three-year letterwinner
for the Hawkeyes. She has been head coach at
Marshall University and Brown University, in
addition to her experience as an assistant
at some of the nation’s larger programs.
“When visiting Bethune-Cookman, I just
knew it was the place to be,” expressed
Cochran. “I’m really excited to
get started.”
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