“Whatever I do in life, I try my hardest. Whatever I start, I finish,” said Cordell High School senior Cameron Cochran.
Cochran’s go-getter attitude shines through in everything he does, whether it be soccer or football.
“I try to work hard all the time; I always want to be better than the person in front of me. I’m very competitive, and I think that drives me to try and be the best I can be,” Cameron said.
Cochran has been involved in sports for as long as he can remember, starting soccer when he was about 5 years old.
“I joined soccer because that's what all my friends were doing, and because my mom wanted me to,” Cameron said.
Since his start, Cochran has played on multiple traveling teams, along with playing as a Cordell Blue Devil.
Originally in it for the fun, Cochran didn't take soccer seriously until eighth or ninth grade, when he managed to earn a spot on a Clinton soccer club team.
It was around this time that Cochran realized his potential, and soccer became his passion.
“I started to get really into it, and realized it was my favorite sport. Now I strive to be the best I can be in soccer, and lead by example with the work I put in,” Cameron said.
Now in his senior year, Cochran is focused on being a team leader for the soccer team.
“I do my best so others can do their best. When a team leader is positive, the whole team feeds off that energy. That's something I hope to bring to the table,” he said. “I try to help my teammates as much as I can and teach them everything I can. I never want any of my teammates to feel out of place or have unanswered questions.”
Cochran inherited his kind and helpful nature from his grandfather, Mike Cochran, who serves as the single most significant father figure in his life.
“My papa is top tier. He is always supportive, no matter what,” Cameron said.
Cochran’s grandfather stepped up to the plate to teach Cameron how to be a man.
“He’s taught me everything, like how to shave, and been there for me in my lowest moments,” he said. “He’s done everything that my biological father didn't do, I appreciate him a lot for that.”
Proud of the young man Cameron has become, Cochran’s Grandfather couldn't be happier.
“We are all very proud of Cam. He’s a good kid with a big heart. Knowing that he looks up to me as a father makes me even more proud,” Mike Cochran said. “His grandmother and mother must have done a good job of raising him in spite of my influence.”
Cochran's grandparents, along with his mother, April, are the support system that helped Cameron stay strong when he was diagnosed with type 1 Diabetes in August.
“When I got diagnosed, my grandparents and my mom changed their whole entire diet, just so I wouldn't feel out of place. They even try out sugar free recipes sometimes. It really just shows how much they care,” Cameron said.
Cochran didn't understand his diagnoses at first and slipped into denial as a result.
“When I got diagnosed, I just couldn't believe it. It was a really confusing time. My body was doing things it had never done before and I had to get blood work done tons of times,” Cameron said.
After Cochran came to terms with his diagnosis and finally felt comfortable enough to tell his friends and coaches, he was met with an unexpected flood of support.
“My friends always remind me to bring my insulin wherever I go, and make sure I check my levels. It's reassuring to know that they don't see me being diabetic as an annoyance,” Cameron said.
Cochran does his best to stay optimistic.
“I've never seen my diagnosis as a roadblock, I knew I was going to get through it. Yes, the little things like making sure I pack enough insulin and watching what I eat all the time do kinda suck, I just have to remember that someone always has it worse, and that I should be grateful for what I have,” Cameron said.
THE COCHRAN FILE
YEAR: Senior
PARENTS: April Cochran,(mother), Mike Cochran (grandfather), Belva Cochran (grandmother)
SPORTS: Soccer and football
HOBBIES: Practicing soccer, hanging out with friends, playing video games, shopping for clothes