Athlete of the Week: Kale Cochran leads Whitney High volleyball to second consecutive league title

For the second consecutive season, the Whitney High boys' volleyball team is the Sierra Foothill League champion as it is 20-6 overall and ranked third in the Sac-Joaquin Section. Last Thursday, the Wildcats closed out the regular season on a high note with a 32-30, 26-28, 25-18, 27-25 win over Rocklin High and were led by sophomore Kale Cochran who totaled 28 kills in the contest. He also had four aces and eight digs in the match. Cochran has been one of the top players all season for the Wildcats, totaling 294 kills, 12th most in the section, and 41 aces. His 28 kills last Thursday night was a season high. Gold Country Media asked Cochran some questions and his answers follow. What is the best part about playing volleyball at Whitney High? Cochran: "The best part about playing at Whitney would be all the people that are on the team this year and last year. I have loved the players on each team and we have fun together on and off the court." How long have you been playing volleyball competitively and who/what is your biggest motivation? Cochran: "I have been playing volleyball competitively since about sixth-grade. What motivates me the most is trying to make it to the next level and make my family proud." Your sister, Katelyn, also played volleyball at Whitney High and helped lead the girls' team to a section title in the fall. How has she played a role in your athletic career and what have you learned from her when it comes to the sport? Cochran: "My sister is a big reason I started playing volleyball because if she didn't play, I don't think I would ever have thought of volleyball as an option. As a really great player herself, she helped me with knowledge and the mental side of the game." Have any other family members been involved with sports? Cochran: "My dad played volleyball in Canada on a very good team and my mom played golf at a Division I school in North Carolina. I have a cousin that lives in Pleasanton that also plays volleyball and I have another cousin that lives in Canada and he also plays volleyball." You totaled 28 kills in a four-set win over Rocklin High to close out the regular season. What do you feel was contributing to your efficient play on the attacking front? Cochran: "Against Rocklin, I started in spot four and I usually start in spot one. I think this helped me because it allowed me to stay in the front row longer and get me higher chances of a kill." This is the second consecutive season you have been a league champion. How exciting is it to win another league title and what needs to be done to keep this level of energy going into the postseason? Cochran: "It is super exciting going back to back league champions. I think we are motivated because last year, we lost to Jesuit in the semifinals and I don't want to get over my head but I think we will be able to make it to the finals versus Jesuit and put up a good game." Have you ever been involved in other sports? Cochran: "I used to play a bunch of other sports like basketball, soccer and football. I found that volleyball suits me the best and I like the people the most in volleyball." Do you have a favorite professional athlete? If so, who and why? Cochran: "I don't know too many professional volleyball players, I know some college guys I really like. But my favorite athlete would be Christian McCaffrey." What has been your favorite class in school and why? Cochran: "My favorite class would be BITA. It is a woodshop class at Whitney and I've made a mini surfboard, cutting board and some other things too. But my favorite core class would be math. I really like math and my teacher this year is super cool. I really like him." Who is your favorite musical artist/band? Cochran: "My favorite artist is tough but I would have to say Jack Johnson. He makes chill music and just good lake day music to vibe out to." Favorite restaurant and favorite food? Cochran: "My favorite restaurant is Mikuni's and my favorite food is sushi." Outside of school and playing volleyball, what do you like to do in your free time? Cochran: "In my free time, I like to hang out with friends, boating and playing guitar." Is there a particular job you'd like to have someday? Cochran: "I think being an airline pilot would be cool because it pays well and just seems like a cool job. I'm just worried I won't be able to fit in the cockpit!" If you had a piece of advice for other local athletes, what would you tell them? Cochran: "My biggest advice would be that it is a roller coaster and you will have ups and downs. You just have to get back up and get better every day."