DaShae Cochran
Winchester Thurston High School
Sophomore
Events: Long Jump, 4×400,400m, & 100m
Favorite Invitational: Butler Invitational
How do you mentally prepare yourself for a big competition?
I usually listen to music during my warm-ups and surround myself with a supportive team. My teammates help me stay motivated and often offer good advice to help me prepare for my race.
What was the most challenging moment in your career, and how did you overcome it?
Running the 4×4 relay at the PIAA Championships was a new atmosphere for me. There were a lot of people, and it was a very loud and active crowd. I kept a positive mindset and remembered to focus on my own goals.
Is there a specific race or competition you’re particularly proud of?
I would have to say long jumping at states. It was my first year competing in the long jump, and it was so new to me, so when I made it to the state championships and placed, I was very proud of myself.
What’s one thing you wish more people knew about track and field?
The friendships that are formed in track and field are often ones that you will have for a lifetime. When you’re a part of a track team, you get to build strong bonds with your teammates. You train together for a long period of time, and you get to celebrate each other’s successes.
What are your goals this season?
As I get ready for this upcoming season, my primary goals are to break the Winchester Thurston school long jump record and return to the state championships. I hope to place 1st at the state championships this year in our 4×4 relay and place higher than I did last year in the long jump.
What is your favorite track and field memory from your high school career so far?
I have so many amazing memories, but I would have to choose attending states with some of my favorite people. We went on many walks in the neighborhood and had a great team dinner. That night, we got in the jacuzzi and watched The Princess and the Frog. We danced around the room and sang “Sure Thing” by Miguel all night. Then, waking up that morning and getting ready with all the girls as we shared one mirror in the hotel room to do our hair was the best part.
What advice would you give to younger athletes who are just starting their journey in track and field?
Don’t be afraid to try different events and find what you enjoy the most. Set goals for yourself; they don’t have to be big, and work towards completing them. Stay positive; track can be hard, so believe in yourself and remember that mistakes will happen, learn from them, and keep moving forward. Lastly, have fun, and create new friendships and memories.
In your opinion, what makes track and field a unique and rewarding sport, and how has it shaped your character and values?
Track and field is unique because it emphasizes personal growth and improvement. The training schedule and the need to balance my academics taught me how to manage my time effectively. Track also shapes my mental toughness. I learned to handle pressure and stay focused on my own performances. It’s important to bounce back from setbacks and stay motivated.
Track and field often involves setting and breaking personal records. Can you share a particularly memorable achievement or moment when you surpassed your own expectations, and what did you learn from that experience?
I would have to say jumping my PR of 18’5″. I learned that I am capable of achieving greatness and it encouraged me to set even higher goals for myself. I also learned the power of perseverance and hard work.
Sophomore DaShae Cochran is making a name for herself in 2024 as one of the rising stars in WPIAL. When she was just a freshman, she amazed herself by winning two PIAA state championship medals in the Long Jump and 4×400 relay. DaShae is super driven and works hard every day to improve her performance, aiming for the top spot in every competition she enters. Her specialty is the long jump, and I’m confident she’ll consistently jump 18 feet in 2024.
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