By Hayden Swope

Senior Kiera Cochran, a basketball athlete at Sacred Heart, was chosen as the Farm Bureau Athlete of the Month. Cochran is a multisport athlete, and four-year letterman in basketball, who is ready to take the Knights to the postseason. 

“I am extremely honored to be selected, and I feel fortunate that I have been able to compete in multiple sports during my four years at Sacred Heart,” Cochran said.

Cochran’s offseason included training with the best, while also taking on other school sports at the same time.  

“Coach Hines and I discussed working in the offseason, and he encouraged me to attend the Elite Darting Basketball Academy,” Cochran said. “I wanted to work on my dribble drive to the basket, three point shot, ball handling, and overall confidence on the court. I attended the Darting eight week session in the spring and in the fall. It was a challenge to find a balance between playing softball, volleyball, and school work, but the sessions proved to be helpful with my basketball confidence and many skills were developed.”

With all of the work put in over the preseason, Cochran knew it wouldn’t end coming into the new season. 

“During my first three high school seasons I was a guard, but this season I was asked to move to the post position,” Cochran said. “I had never played the post but was challenged with this new role. I continue to work daily on improving in this position and try to focus on contributing to my team’s success.”

After graduation, Cochran plans to continue her academic career in college, in which she is still deciding on where to attend. 

“I have applied to several four year universities and will be making a decision soon,” Cochran said. “At this time, I plan to double major in business and science.”